In Episode 204, Sarah and Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books catch up on the 12 new releases they shared in the Summer 2025 Book Preview, now that they’ve read them — or at least tried to!  They share their reading stats, chat about what worked — and discuss which books didn’t work and why.   

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

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

Announcement

• One of the many benefits to supporting the podcast through either our Patreon Community or our Substack Community (both for just $7/mo) is that you get access to several bonus podcast episode series, including Book Preview Extras! In these episodes, Catherine and I share at least 4 bonus books we are excited about that we did not share in the big show preview episode. Get more details about all the goodies available and sign up here for Patreon and here for Substack!

Highlights

• After Catherine’s 100% success rate this spring, she encountered a near-full reversal of fortune this summer.
• Sarah’s summer reading improved dramatically over her spring selections.
• Between Sarah and Catherine, there are several DNFs, one 5-star book, one 3-star book, and a scattering of books in the 4-star range.
• Sarah’s summer circle back theme seems to be “Why aren’t more people reading these books?!”
• Meanwhile, someone please hand Catherine MORE in her books and with a heavy side of PLOT.
• They name the best and worst books picks for summer!

Books Read Before the Preview [5:09] 

June

Sarah’s Pick

• The Compound by Aisling Rawle (June 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:14]

Other Books Mentioned

• Lord of the Flies by William Golding (1954) [7:03] 
• FantasticLand by Mike Bockoven (2016) [7:06] 

July

Sarah’s Pick

• Bitter Sweet by Hattie Williams (July 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [8:24]

Other Books Mentioned

• The Rachel Incident by Caroline O’Donoghue (2023) [9:31] 
• Adelaide by Genevieve Wheeler (2023) [9:34] 

Summer 2025 Circle Back [10:59]

June

Catherine’s Picks

• The Catch by Yrsa Daley-Ward (June 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:08]
• King of Ashes by S. A. Cosby (June 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:43]
• I’ll Be Right Here by Amy Bloom (June 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:15]

Other Books Mentioned

• Razorblade Tears by S. A. Cosby (2021) [20:06] 
• All the Sinners Bleed by S. A. Cosby  (2023) [20:08] 

July

Sarah’s Picks

• Slanting Towards the Sea by Lidija Hilje (July 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[13:54]
• The Rabbit Club by Christopher J. Yates (July 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[25:07]
• Her Many Faces by Nicci Cloke (July 15) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:56]
• August Lane by Regina Black (July 29) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:14]

Catherine’s Picks

• The Satisfaction Café by Kathy Wang (July 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:27] 
• Our Last Resort by Clémence Michallon (July 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[39:50]

Other Books Mentioned

• Black Chalk by Christopher J. Yates (2013) [25:12] 
• Grist Mill Road by Christopher J. Yates (2018) [25:18]
• Craigslist Confessional by Helena Dea Bala (2020) [33:52] 
• Imposter Syndrome by Kathy Wang (2021) [34:39] 
• Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll (2023) [37:39]
• The Quiet Tenant by Clémence Michallon (2023) [40:02] 
• The Art of Scandal by Regina Black (2023) [44:01] 
• Seven Days in June by Tia Williams (2021) [46:47] 

July Catherine’s Pick

• The Frequency of Living Things by Nick Fuller Googins (August 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:10] 

In Episode 203, Gayle Weiswasser, co-founder of Wonderland Books, an independent bookstore in Bethesda, Maryland, returns to the podcast with Sarah for a one-year check-in on the shop’s journey. From holiday-season chaos to surprising customer favorites, Gayle shares what worked, what didn’t, and why she still handpicks every title on the shelves — plus the biggest lessons (and mistakes) from year one. Plus, Gayle shares some great book recommendations.

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

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

Highlights

• Gayle shares what it was like to open the bookstore right before the holiday season.
• How the store’s first year compared to their original projections and expectations.
• The now-dispelled fears Gayle had before opening.
• Why she’s glad they curated every book in their inventory themselves, and why they still do all the book buying in-house.
• The course correction Wonderland had to make in their romance section.
• The biggest mistake they made before opening their doors.
• Which genres and titles have become customer favorites and which don’t seem to sell well.
• How they plan and host book events — and why those events are such a key part of the store’s community success.
• The books that taught them exactly how (and how not) to decide how many copies to order.
• The surprising punch poetry has packed with customers.
• Whether Gayle’s own reading life has bounced back after the pre-opening stress and time crunch.

Gayle’s Book Recommendations [39:12]

Two OLD Books She Loves

• One’s Company by Ashley Hutson (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:25]
• Sam by Allegra Goodman (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:46]
• Other Books Mentioned
  • The Knockout Queen by Rufi Thorpe (2020) [44:40] 
  • The Girls from Corona del Mar by Rufi Thorpe (2014) [44:42] 

Two NEW Books She Loves

• The Correspondent by Virginia Evans (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:01]
• What Kind of Paradise by Janelle Brown (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[47:18]
• Other Books Mentioned
  • The Wedding People by Alison Espach (2024) [46:56]
  • Pretty Things by Janelle Brown (2020) [49:06]

One Book She DIDN’T Love

• Back After This by Linda Holmes (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:55]
• Other Books Mentioned
  • Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes (2019) [51:14] 
  • Flying Solo by Linda Holmes (2022) [53:34] 

One NEW RELEASE She’s Excited About

• Wreck by Catherine Newman (October 28, 2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[53:57]
• Other Books Mentioned
  • Sandwich by Catherine Newman (2024) [54:03] 

Last 5-Star Book Gayle Read

• The Names by Florence Knapp (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [55:34]

Books from the Discussion

• Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2025) [16:30] 
• Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros (2025) [25:41] 
• The Correspondent by Virginia Evans (2025) [26:39] 
• The Wedding People by Alison Espach (2024) [26:40]
• The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon (2023) [26:42]
• James by Percival Everett (2024) [30:09]
• Heartwood by Amity Gaige (2025) [31:28]
• Mark Twain by Ron Chernow (2025) [31:38]
• Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green (2025) [31:55]  
• Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams (2025) [32:00] 
• Cher: Part One: The Memoir by Cher (2024) [32:25] 
• Gwyneth: The Biography by Amy Odell (2025) [32:35] 
• Brooke Shields Is Not Allowed to Get Old by Brooke Shields and Rachel Bertsche (2025) [33:07]
• Yoko Ono: A Biography by David Sheff (2025) [33:10] 
• My Friends by Fredrik Backman (2025) [38:29] 

In Episode 202, Susie (@NovelVisits) and Sarah explore some of their new favorite Micro Genres. Since starting the Micro Genres series, they’ve loved taking the opportunity each year to examine and define their tastes in these sub-sub-genres. This year, they have curated a list of 10 all-new Micro Genres, along with notable books for each category. With over 80 books mentioned, this is another year of niching down for some great book recommendations!

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

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

Books Told From the Perspective of the Person Left Behind (Sarah) [2:26]

Sarah

• The Wanderers by Meg Howrey (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:39]
• Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:52]
• Happiness Falls by Angie Kim (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [4:29]
• Miracle Creek by Angie Kim (2019) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [4:31]
• Shred Sisters by Betsy Lerner (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [4:42]
• Penitence by Kristin Koval (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [4:52]
• Z by Therese Ann Fowler (2013) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [5:11]
• The Paris Wife by Paula McLain (2011) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [5:19]
• An American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld (2008) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [5:26]
• The Swans of Fifth Avenue by Melanie Benjamin (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [5:35]
• The Wives by Simone Gorrindo (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [5:59]
• A Mother’s Reckoning by Sue Klebold (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [6:41]

Susie

• Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel (2014) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [7:07]
• Good Morning, Midnight by Lily Brooks-Dalton (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [7:35]
• The Light Pirate by Lily Brooks-Dalton (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [7:37]
• Circe by Madeline Miller (2018) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [7:52]

We Begin at the End (Susie) [8:22]

Sarah

• Beyond the Point by Claire Gibson (2019) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [12:46]
• Penitence by Kristin Koval (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:16]
• I’m That Girl by Jordan Chiles (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [14:20] 

Susie

• The Three Lives of Cate Kay by Kate Fagan (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[10:20]
• What Happened to Nina? by Dervla McTiernan (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[10:49] 
• Victim by Andrew Boryga (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [11:48]
• How We Named the Stars by Andrés N. Ordorica (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [12:21] 
• Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [12:28] 

Other Books Mentioned

• We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker (2021) [8:33] 
• A Marriage at Sea by Sophie Elmhirst (2025)  [13:54] 

Big Business Women (Sarah) [14:34]

Sarah

• Anna Bright is Hiding Something by Susie Orman Schnall (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [15:29]
• The Boys’ Club by Erica Katz (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [15:46] 
• Women Are the Fiercest Creatures by Andrea Dunlop (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [15:51] 
• Dead Money by Jakob Kerr (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [15:55] 

Susie

• The Whisper Network by Chandler Baker (2019) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[16:30]
• The Female Persuasion by Meg Wolitzer (2018) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [16:55] 

Other Books Mentioned

• Bad Blood by John Carreyrou (2018) [15:34] 

Books By Irish Authors Telling Distinctly Irish Stories (Susie) [17:35]

Sarah

• Say Nothing by Patrick Radden Keefe (2018) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [22:30] 
• Northern Spy by Flynn Berry (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [22:43] 
• The Rachel Incident by Caroline O’Donoghue (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:52] 
• 56 Days by Catherine Ryan Howard (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [23:39] 

Susie

• Nesting by Roisín O’Donnell (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [19:39]
• The Coast Road by Alan Murrin (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:07]
• The Heart’s Invisible Furies by John Boyne (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[20:54] 
• Juno Loves Legs by Karl Geary (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [20:59]
• Home Stretch by Graham Norton (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [21:02] 
• Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [21:50]  
• Trespasses by Louise Kennedy (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [22:07] 

Other Books Mentioned

• Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt (1996) [19:20] 
• Normal People by Sally Rooney (2018) [23:16] 
• Strange Sally Diamond by Liz Nugent (2023) [24:07] 
• Unraveling Oliver by Liz Nugent (2013) [24:09] 

The Collective “We” Narration (Sarah) [24:33]

Sarah

• The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides (1993) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[25:59] 
• We Wish You Luck by Caroline Zancan (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:16] 
• The Mothers by Britt Bennett (2016)| Amazon | Bookshop.org  [27:31] 
• Unlikely Animals by Annie Hartnett (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [27:56] 

Susie

• The Buddha in the Attic by Julie Otsuka (2011) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [28:38]
• The Swimmers by Julie Otsuka (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [28:58]  

Other Books Mentioned

• The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker (2012) [25:09] 
• The Strange Case of Jane O. by Karen Thompson Walker (2025) [25:11] 
• The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett (2020) [27:39] 

Torn Between Two Lovers: The Women’s Edition (Susie) [29:40]

Sarah

• Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell (1936) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:05] 
• Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding (1996) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:14] 
• Twilight by Stephenie Meyer (2005) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:35]

Susie

• Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:18] 
• The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [31:38] 
• One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:18] 
• An American Marriage by Tayari Jones (2018) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [32:44] 

Fiction Modeled on Real-Life Serial Killers or Crimes (Sarah) [33:50]

Sarah

• The Death of Us by Abigail Dean (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:33] 
• Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:39] 
• Heartwood by Amity Gaige (2025)| Amazon | Bookshop.org  [34:42]  
• We Burn Daylight by Bret Anthony Johnston (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:52] 
• The Girls by Emma Cline (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [35:00]
• Only Love Can Break Your Heart by Ed Tarkington (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:05]
• When the Stars Go Dark by Paula McLain (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:29] 
• Monday, Monday by Elizabeth Crook (2014) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [35:39] 

Susie

• Wolf at the Table by Adam Rapp (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [36:05] 

Books with Characters Struggling with Mental Health (Susie) [36:57]

Sarah

• Sociopath by Patric Gagne, PhD (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [41:24] 
• Sorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [41:58] 
• Bitter Sweet by Hattie Williams (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:13] 
• Fire Exit by Morgan Talty (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:23] 
• When I Ran Away by Ilona Bannister (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:28]
• The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon (2003) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:36]  

Susie

• Shred Sisters by Betsy Lerner (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:56] 
• More or Less Maddy by Lisa Genova (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:06] 
• Interesting Facts About Space by Emily Austin (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:43] 
• My Lovely Wife in the Psych Ward by Mark Lukach (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:13] 
• I’m Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reid (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:58]

Other Books Mentioned

• Soldier Sailor by Claire Kilroy (2023) [42:33] 

Dude Thrillers (Sarah) [42:45]

Sarah

• Dead Money by Jakob Kerr (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:34] 
• The Boomerang by Robert Bailey (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [43:40] 
• Departure 37 by Scott Carson (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [43:55] 
• The Wealth of Shadows by Graham Moore (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:10] 
• Red Widow by Alma Katsu (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [44:27]
• Red London by Alma Katsu (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [44:28]  

Susie

• The Holdout by Graham Moore (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [44:57] 
• The River by Peter Heller (2019) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:24] 
• Burn by Peter Heller (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:25] 
• The Martian by Andy Weir (2011) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:36] 

Other Books Mentioned

• Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir (2021) [45:41] 
• All the Sinners Bleed by S. A. Cosby (2023) [45:33] 
• Blacktop Wasteland by S. A. Cosby (2020) [46:06] 
• Razorblade Tears by S. A. Cosby (2021) [46:13] 

Standalone Fantasy Set on Earth (Susie) [46:36]

Susie

• The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:36]
• Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V. E. Schwab (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:39]
• The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:07]
• Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo (2019) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:08]
• Weyward by Emilia Hart (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [49:28] 
• The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins (2015) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:32] 
• Circe by Madeline Miller (2018) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [49:50] 
• The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller (2011) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:51] 

Other Books Mentioned

• A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas (2015) [47:03] 
• Black Chalk by Christopher J. Yates (2013) [50:30] 

In Episode 201, author Lidija Hilje talks with Sarah about her debut novel, Slanting Towards the Sea. Spanning two decades and one transformative summer in Croatia, Slanting Towards the Sea is a love story that also delves into the profound journey of coming of age in a nation younger than you are. Lidija shares lots of details about how this book came to be and the inspiration for the story and its lush Croatian setting, which becomes a character of its own. They also discuss how the Croatian War of Independence influenced both her own childhood and the novel’s narrative. Plus, Lidija shares some of her top book recommendations!

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

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

Highlights

• A brief, spoiler-free overview of Slanting Towards the Sea. 
• Hilje’s inspiration for Slanting Towards the Sea.
• How Croatia became its own character in the novel.
• The ways Slanting Towards the Sea developed and was impacted by Lidija’s never-to-be-published first novel.
• The impact of the Croatian War of Independence (1991–1995) on Lidija’s childhood and the events of the book.
• How Lidija shaped the ending of the novel over time.
• What inspired making “people pleasing” such a strong element of Ivona’s character.
• The complete, upending change that forever shelved her first attempt at a novel.

Lidija’s Book Recommendations [35:58]

Two OLD Books She Loves

• Gioavanni’s Room by James Baldwin (1956) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:12]
• Euphoria by Lily King (2014) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [39:10]
• Other Books Mentioned:
  • Writers & Lovers by Lily King (2020) [41:10]  

Two NEW Books She Loves

• Audition by Katie Kitamura (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:33]
• The Anthropologists by Ayşegül Savaş (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:55]
• Other Books Mentioned:
  • Intimacies by Katie Kitamura (2021) [41:44] 
  • Trust by Hernán Díaz (2023) [43:41] 
  • Second Place by Rachel Cusk (2021) [43:43] 

One Book She DIDN’T Love

• Beautiful World, Where Are You by Sally Rooney (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:34]

One NEW RELEASE She’s Excited About

• This Kind of Trouble by Tochi Eze (August 5, 2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[48:52]

Last 5-Star Book Lidija Read

• We Were the Universe by Kimberly King Parsons (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:35]

Books From the Discussion

• You Could Make This Place Beautiful by Maggie Smith (2023) [22:03]

Welcome to the 200th episode of Sarah’s Bookshelves Live with a very special celebration with both co-hosts: Susie (@NovelVisits) and Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books. Today, they are answering listener-submitted questions all about their reading journeys, their podcast journeys, and some about their pre-podcast blogging days!

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

• Their early reading lives.
• The most surprising things about their reading history.
• Susie’s secret endeavor!
• How much they talk about books in their day-to-day lives.
• What their friends outside of the book world think about what they do.
• Would Susie or Catherine ever want to do an author interview?
• How their feelings about the podcast have changed over the years.

Topic Highlights

Key Moments in Their Reading Lives [1:59] A few of the questions answered:

• Have you always been a reader, and do you have a distinct memory of when you truly fell in love with reading? [2:11] 
• Was there a time in your life when you were not reading very much? [6:34] 
• What parts of your reading tastes have changed dramatically over the course of your reading life and what parts have stayed consistent? [10:56] 
• Currently, what is your reading “why”? What’s the primary reason you read? [29:35]

Their Professional Reading Journeys [34:17] A few of the questions answered:

• Why did you start your blogs? [34:26] 
• Is there anything you miss from the time when you only blogged? Anything you don’t miss? [40:35] 
• What is your relationship like off mic? [44:49] 
• How has social media changed your reading life? [53:04]
• Anything you wish you had known about podcasting before you got involved? [1:03:13] 

Books Mentioned

• Dick and Jane Reading Collection  [2:41]
• Ant and Bee and the ABC  (1950) [4:31] 
• The Secret of the Old Clock by Carolyn Keene (1930) [4:59]
• Kristy’s Great Idea (The Baby-Sitters Club, 1) by Ann M. Martin (1986) [5:02] 
• Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown (1947) [5:29] 
• The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer (2013) [9:47] 
• Double Love (Sweet Valley High, 1) by Francine Pascal (1983)  [16:09] 
• Great Expectations by Charles Dickens (1861)  [16:49] 
• Tell Me Lies by Carola Lovering (2018)  [17:42] 
• Normal People by Sally Rooney (2019)  [17:43] 
• Bitter Sweet by Hattie Williams (2025)  [17:44] 
• Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert (1857) [18:46] 
• Middlemarch by George Eliot (1872) [18:54] 
• Out of Africa by Isak Dinesen (1937) [19:17] 

In Ep. 199, Susie Boutry (@NovelVisits), Catherine Gilmore (@GilmoreGuide), and Sarah are all back on the mic, ready to catch up on how their reading is shaping up for 2025 — so far!  They talk about the current publishing landscape, what books are topping bestseller lists to date, and their personal reading as it stands halfway through the year. They share reading stats and talk about expectations and hopes for the remainder of the year. Plus, their TOP 5 books and their biggest disappointments so far.

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.

The Bookish Landscape [1:13]

Books Mentioned

• Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros (2025) [3:28] 
• Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros (2023) [4:08]
• Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros (2023) [4:11]
• The Women by Kristin Hannah (2024) [4:22]
• Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins (2025) [4:53] 
• The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (2008) [4:59] 
• The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins (2024) [5:02] 
• Dog Man: Big Jim Begins (Dog Man, #13) by Dav Pilkey (2024) [5:07]
• The Housemaid by Freida McFadden (2022) [5:13]
• The Crash by Freida McFadden (2025) [5:17]
• Atomic Habits by James Clear (2018) [5:24]
• A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas (2015) [5:41]
• Next to Heaven by James Frey (2025) [9:44] 
• James by Percival Everett (2024) [11:20]
• Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar (2024) [11:22]
• Audition by Katie Kitamura (2025) [12:31] 
• The Names by Florence Knapp (2025) [13:51] 
• A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara (2015) [15:52] 
• The Wedding People by Alison Espach (2024) [17:03] 
• The Correspondent by Virginia Evans (2025) [17:22] 
• Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall (2025) [17:35] 
• Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor (2025) [18:35] 
• The Heart of Winter by Jonathan Evison (2025) [19:10]
• The Garden by Nick Newman (2025) [19:16]  
• The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett (2025) [19:34] 
• Three Days in June by Anne Tyler (2025) [19:58] 
• Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy (2025) [20:34]
• Tilt by Emma Pattee (2025) [20:38]  
• The Compound by Aisling Rawle (2025) [20:44] 
• Dream State by Eric Puchner (2025) [20:49] 
• Run for the Hills by Kevin Wilson (2025) [21:06]
• Hot Wax by M. L. Rio (September 9, 2025) [21:18] 
• Killer Potential by Hannah Deitch (2025) [21:39] 

Personal Reading for 2025 (So Far) [22:49]

Books Mentioned

• Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano (2020) [27:14] 
• The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon (2023) [27:16] 
• Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams (2025) [31:07]

Top Five (So Far)  [31:27]

Susie

• Deep Cuts by Holly Brickley (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:49]
• Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:03]
• The Death of Us by Abigail Dean (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:07]
• Nesting by Roisín O’Donnell (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:11]
• The Names by Florence Knapp (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [53:12]

Catherine

• The Heart of Winter by Jonathan Evison (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[33:45]
• This Is a Love Story by Jessica Soffer (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:06]
• Heartwood by Amity Gaige (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [51:28]
• Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[53:59]
• Abigail and Alexa Save the Wedding by Lian Dolan (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [56:03]

Sarah

• Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:00]
• The Death of Us by Abigail Dean (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:31]
• The Slip by Lucas Schaefer (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:03]
• The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:26]
• The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[54:55]

Other Books Mentioned

• The River Is Waiting by Wally Lamb (2025) [40:25]
• Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll (2025) [40:40]
• Headshot by Rita Bullwinkel (2024) [47:47]
• The Knockout Queen by Rufi Thorpe (2020) [48:22]
• I Could Live Here Forever by Hanna Halperin (2023) [52:54]

Biggest Disappointments (So Far)  [57:46]

Susie

• The Strange Case by Jane O. by Karen Thompson Walker (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [58:09]
• The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[58:13]
• Fulfillment by Lee Cole (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [58:18]

Catherine

• The Favorites by Layne Fargo (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [58:51]
• Dream State by Eric Puchner (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [58:56]
• The River Is Waiting by Wally Lamb (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [59:08]
• Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [59:45]

Sarah

• Memorial Days by Geraldine Brooks (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:00:16]
• What Happened to the McCrays? by Tracey Lange (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:00:28]
• Audition by Katie Kitamura (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:00:51]
• Finding Grace by Loretta Rothschild (July 8, 2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[1:01:43]

Ep. 198 is the second episode of our brand-new “Best of…” series. Anderson McKean of Page & Palette Bookstore joined me for the Best of Thrillers, with her all-time TOP TEN favorite thriller novels…and, a couple buzzy thrillers that didn’t work for her.⁠ Also, Anderson talks about how she started reading thrillers, the wide variety available in the genre, and books from her list that would be perfect for those new to the genre!

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

• What draws her to the thriller genre.
• From domestic to psychological thrillers, Anderson talks about the variety of the genre.
• Her favorite sub-genres and what doesn’t work for her.
• Anderson picks a few books from her list that would be good starter books for those new to the genre.

Anderson’s All-Time Top Ten Thrillers [10:33]

• Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn (2012) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [12:44]
• Room by Emma Donoghue (2010) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [16:57]
• It Girl by Ruth Ware (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [20:41]
• A Rip Through Time by Kelley Armstrong (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [24:16]
• Everyone Here Is Lying by Shari Lapena (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [27:43]
• The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [31:38]
• Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org   [34:17]
• Red Queen by Juan Gómez-Jurado (2018) | Amazon | Bookshop.org   [37:48]
• When the Stars Go Dark by Paula McLain (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [41:12]
• These Silent Woods by Kimi Cunningham Grant (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:37]

High-Profile Thrillers That She Didn’t Love [48:35] 

• The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [48:41]
• None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [49:01]

Other Books Mentioned

• The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz (2021) [13:23]
• The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins (2015) [16:06]
• The Blue Hour by Paula Hawkins (2024) [16:13]
• Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens (2021) [16:38]
• The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware (2016) [20:58]
• I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai (2023) [21:50]
• Zero Days by Ruth Ware (2023) [23:05]
• Vantage Point by Sara Sligar (2025) [23:11]
• One Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware (2024) [23:54]
• The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger (2003) [24:51]
• Death at a Highland Wedding by Kelley Armstrong (2025) [27:35]
• What Have You Done by Shari Lepena (2024) [30:09]
• The Couple Next Door by Shari Lepena (2016) [30:24]
• Someone We Know by Shari Lepena (2019) [30:31]
• Strange Sally Diamond by Liz Nugent (2023) [32:23]
• The Mother-In-Law by Sally Hepworth (2019) [33:26]
• The Soulmate by Sally Hepworth (2022) [33:50]
• The Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth (2023) [33:53]
• Just Another Missing Person by Gillian McAllister (2023) [36:36]
• The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson (2005) [38:04]
• The Bourne Identity by Robert Ludlum (1980) [39:24]
• In Light of All Darkness by Kim Cross (2023) [42:25]
• The Death of Us by Abigail Dean (2025) [44:17]
• Our Endless Numbered Days by Claire Fuller (2015) [47:20]
• The Nature of Disappearing by Kimi Cunningham Grant (2024) [48:11]
• The Fury by Alex Michaelides (2024) [49:47]
• The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides (2019) [49:53]

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

Today, Catherine and Sarah share 12 of their most anticipated books releasing from 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.

Announcement

• One of the many benefits to supporting the podcast through either our Patreon Community or our Substack Community (both for just $7/mo) is that you get access to several bonus podcast episode series, including Book Preview Extras! In these episodes, Catherine and I share at least 4 bonus books we are excited about that we did not share in the big show preview episode. Get more details about all the goodies available and sign up here for Patreon and here for Substack!

Highlights

• Catherine and Sarah share some big releases coming this summer (lightning-round style).
• Of Catherine’s six book picks, 3 are about sisters and most are from repeat authors.
• Sarah’s choices feature 3 debut authors, 2 repeat authors, and 1 new author.
• And, 5 of Sarah’s six books are European novels.
• From literary picks to thrillers to romances, they’ve got a range of books for summer.
• Sarah has already read two of her picks — and they’re on the 2025 Summer Reading Guide (be sure to check out the full list)
• Plus, their #1 picks for summer.

Big Summer Releases

• Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid (June 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:12]
• With a Vengeance by Riley Sager (June 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:18]
• Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V. E. Schwab (June 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:32]
• The Poppy Fields by Nikki Erlick (June 17) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:36]
• A Marriage at Sea by Sophie Elmhirst (July 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:45]
• The Bewitching by Silvia Moreno-Garcia (July 15) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [2:57]
• The View from Lake Como by Adriana Trigiani (July 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:08]
• Worth Fighting For by Jesse Q. Sutanto (June 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:13]
• A Most Puzzling Murder by Bianca Marais (June 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:17] 
• Don’t Let Him In by Lisa Jewell (June 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:27] 
• The Woman in Suite 11 by Ruth Ware (July 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:29] 
• Don’t Open Your Eyes by Liv Constantine (June 17) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:32] 
• The Locked Ward by Sarah Pekkanen (August 5) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:36] 

Summer 2025 Book Preview [4:07]

June

Sarah’s Pick

• The Compound by Aisling Rawle (June 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [7:19]

Catherine’s Picks

• The Catch by Yrsa Daley-Ward (June 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:40]
• King of Ashes by S. A. Cosby (June 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:02]
• I’ll Be Right Here by Amy Bloom (June 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:01]

Other Books Mentioned 

• Lord of the Flies by William Golding (1954) [10:01] 
• FantasticLand by Mike Bockoven (2016) [10:04] 
• The Godfather by Mario Puzo (1969) [20:29] 
• All the Sinners Bleed by S. A. Cosby  (2023) [20:55] 
• Razorblade Tears by S. A. Cosby (2021) [21:00] 
• Blacktop Wasteland by S. A. Cosby (2020) [21:01] 
• White Houses by Amy Bloom (2018) [27:08] 
• This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel (2017) [27:52] 
• The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo (2019) [27:57] 
• The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden (2024) [28:28] 

July

Sarah’s Picks

• Slanting Towards the Sea by Lidija Hilje (July 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[15:36]
• Bitter Sweet by Hattie Williams (July 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [21:44]
• The Rabbit Club by Christopher J. Yates (July 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[28:48]
• Her Many Faces by Nicci Cloke (July 15*) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:38](Updated release date following the recording of this episode.)
• August Lane by Regina Black (July 29) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:44]

Catherine’s Picks

• The Satisfaction Café by Kathy Wang (July 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:37] 
• Our Last Resort by Clémence Michallon (July 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[39:32]

Other Books Mentioned

• Shark Heart by Emily Habeck (2023) [18:12] 
• Writers and Lovers by Lily King (2020) [18:17] 
• The Rachel Incident by Caroline O’Donoghue (2023) [25:06] 
• Adelaide by Genevieve Wheeler (2023) [25:09] 
• Black Chalk by Christopher J. Yates (2013) [28:57] 
• The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer (2013) [31:13] 
• The Secret History by Donna Tartt (1992) [31:15] 
• The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (2008) [31:16] 
• Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll (1865) [] 
• If We Were Villains by M. L. Rio (2017) [32:37] 
• Imposter Syndrome by Kathy Wang (2021) [35:16] 
• Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano (2023) [35:40] 
• Happiness Falls by Angie Kim (2023) [35:42] 
• The Latecomer by Jean Hanff Korelitz (2022) [35:45] 
• Girl A by Abigail Dean (2021) [38:21] 
• The Death of Us by Abigail Dean (2025) [38:24] 
• Notes on an Execution by Danya Kukafka (2022) [38:28] 
• The Quiet Tenant by Clémence Michallon (2023) [40:16] 
• The Art of Scandal by Regina Black (2023) [41:58] 
• Colton Gentry’s Third Act by Jeff Zentner (2024) [43:30] 
• Seven Days in June by Tia Williams (2021) [43:41] 
• The Final Revival of Opal & Nev by Dawnie Walton (2021) [43:46] 
• Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2019) [45:01] 

August Catherine’s Pick

• The Frequency of Living Things by Nick Fuller Googins (August 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:15]

Other Books Mentioned

• She’s Come Undone by Wally Lamb (1992) [48:08] 

Other Links

• Sarah’s Bookshelves | The Possibility of a Black Chalk Sequel: Guest Post by Christopher J. Yates 

In Episode 196, Sarah and Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books catch up on the 12 new releases they shared in the Spring 2025 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. 

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.

Our Printable Cheatsheet for the 2025 Summer Reading Guide is available to anyone who signs up for either a 7-Day FREE TRIAL of our Patreon Community (sign up here) OR a 30-day FREE TRIAL of our paid Substack Community (sign up here). We offer the same bonus content on both platforms for just $7 per month. Sign-ups for our Free Trials (and access to the Summer Reading Guide Cheatsheet) will close on Friday, May 23.

Get the Cheatsheet from Patreon

Get the Cheatsheet from Substack

Highlights

• Catherine is rocking a 100% success rate for spring!
• Sarah had another barbell season with two 5-star books and 3 DNFs with a 50% success rate.
• Catherine has a mix of darker and lighter books from spring, leaning into what is currently working.
• Now that Sarah doesn’t have to balance reading for the 2025 Summer Reading Guide and the Spring Preview, Sarah hopes her summer reading will fare better.
• They name the best and worst books picks for spring!

Books We Read Before the Preview [3:37]

April

Sarah’s Picks

• The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett (Apr 29) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [4:04]

Spring 2025 Circle Back [5:27]

April

Sarah’s Picks

• The Family Recipe by Carolyn Huynh (Apr 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [8:38]
• I See You’ve Called in Dead by John Kenney (Apr 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[15:40]
• The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff (Apr 22) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [21:14]
• Gold Coast Dilemma by Nana Malone (Apr 29) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:27]

Catherine’s Picks

• Cat’s People by Tanya Guerrero (Apr 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:32]
• Heartwood by Amity Gaige (Apr 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [12:12]

Other Books Mentioned

• The Fortunes of Jaded Women by Carolyn Huynh (2022) [8:48] 
• Talk to Me by John Kenney (2019) [15:58]  
• About a Boy by Nick Hornby (1998) [17:26]
• I Could Live Here Forever by Hanna Halperin (2023) [24:24] 

May

Sarah’s Picks

• Aftertaste by Daria Lavelle (May 20) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:57]

Catherine’s Pick

• Home of the American Circus by Allison Larkin (May 6) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:16]
• The Man Made of Smoke by Alex North (May 13) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:35] 
• Abigail and Alexa Save the Wedding by Lian Dolan (May 20) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:23]
• Storybook Ending by Moira Macdonald (May 27) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[42:02]

Other Books Mentioned

• The Angel Maker by Alex North (2023) [26:44]
• Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danler (2016) [41:02] 
• Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin (2022) [41:08] 
• Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia (2020) [41:13] 
• Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune (2021) [41:19] 
• The Midnight Library by Matt Haig (2020) [41:23]  

 

In Ep. 195, Susie (@NovelVisits) and Sarah are back to share their favorite books that missed last year’s Summer Reading Guide and our #1 picks for each category featured in my 2025 Summer Reading Guide. Plus, they begin by sharing how their summer reading habits have evolved over the years.

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.

Once again, we are happy to offer a Printable Cheatsheet for this year’s Guide:

• Get the Cheatsheet from Patreon
• Get the Cheatsheet from Substack

Summer Reading [7:42] The Evolution of Our Summer Reading Journeys [8:41]

Books Mentioned by Susie

• London by Edward Rutherfurd (1997) [15:09]
• The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson (2005) [16:09]
• The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (2008) [16:12]
• Twilight by Stephenie Meyer (2005) [16:15]
• Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese (2009) [16:31]
• The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown (2013) [16:32]
• 11/22/63 by Stephen King (2011) [16:34]

Books Mentioned by Sarah

• Jaws by Peter Benchley (1974) [17:57]
• The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand (1943) [21:02]
• Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand (1957) [21:03]
• Fall of Giants by Ken Follett (2010) [21:06]

Books That Missed Last Year’s Summer Reading Guide [24:23]

Sarah

• JFK Jr.: An Intimate Oral Biography by RoseMarie Terenzio and Liz McNeil (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [24:27] 
• Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [29:08]
• Hunted by Abir Mukherjee (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [35:51]

Susie

• The Most by Jessica Anthony (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [27:10] 
• The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins (2015) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:52]
• Blue Light Hours by Bruna Dantas Lobato (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:01]

Other Books Mentioned

• The Measure by Nikki Erlick (2022) [30:13]

Our #1 Summer Picks by Category  [40:37]

Something Light / Fun

• Sarah: The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [41:23] 
• Susie: The Correspondent by Virginia Evans (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:36] 
• Other Books Mentioned
  • Unlikely Animals by Annie Hartnett (2022) [41:35]

Something Fast-Paced / Intense

• Sarah: Dead Money by Jakob Kerr (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [50:27] 

Slow-Burn Suspense

• Susie: The Death of Us by Abigail Dean (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [52:40] 

Something With a Bit More Substance

• Sarah: Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [55:54] 
• Susie: Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [58:46] 
• Other Books Mentioned
  • Dream State by Eric Puchner (2025) [1:00:00]

Something Different

• Sarah: Show Don’t Tell by Curtis Sittenfeld (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:01:33] 
• Susie: Deep Cuts by Holly Brickley (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:03:47] 
• Other Books Mentioned
  • Prep by Curtis Sittenfeld (2005) [1:02:59]
  • Daisy Jones & the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2019) [1:06:24]