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

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

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

Announcements

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

Highlights

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

Books From Our Discussion

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

Other Links

• Amazon | Amazon Editors’ Personal Favorite Books of 2024

About Al Woodworth

More about Amazon Book Review Website | Instagram | X | Facebook

Al Woodworth is a Senior Editor on the Amazon Books Editorial team and has spent more than ten years in the book industry, championing authors and their work. She’s never without a book or four in her bag and is happiest reading memoirs and literary fiction, especially sprawling stories that cross generations and countries. She lives in Brooklyn.

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

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

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

Announcements

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

Highlights

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

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

2024 Superlatives [3:42]

Susie

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

Sarah

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

Other Books Mentioned

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

About Susie Boutry

Blog | Facebook | Instagram | X

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

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

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

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

Highlights

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

Chelsea’s Book Recommendations [46:01]

Two OLD Books She Loves

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

Two NEW Books She Loves

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

One Book She DIDN’T Love

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

One NEW RELEASE She’s Excited About

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

Last 5-Star Book Chelsea Read

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

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

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

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

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

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

Highlights

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

Books We Read Before the Preview [3:30]

Sarah’s Picks

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

Other Books Mentioned

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

Fall 2024 Circle Back [7:28]

Mid-August

Catherine’s Picks

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

September

Sarah’s Picks

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

Catherine’s Picks

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

Other Books Mentioned

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

October

Sarah’s Picks

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

Catherine’s Picks

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

Other Books Mentioned

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

November

Catherine’s Pick

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

About Catherine Gilmore

Blog | Facebook | Instagram | X

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

Next Episode

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

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

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

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

Highlights

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

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

Sarah

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

Susie

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

Other Books Mentioned

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

Favorite Backlist Debuts Read in 2024 [36:02]

Sarah

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

Susie

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

Other Books Mentioned

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

Best Sophomore Novels of 2024 [45:33]

Sarah

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

Susie

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

Other Books Mentioned

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

Additional Books Mentioned

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

About Susie Boutry

Blog | Facebook | Instagram | X

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

Next Episode

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

In Episode 179, Sarah is joined by Gayle Weiswasser, co-founder of Wonderland Books, an independent bookstore in Bethesda, MD opening in November 2024. Gayle candidly shares her journey from her initial idea to being on the verge of opening the store. This behind-the-scenes episode offers a deep dive into everything from training and book buying to raising capital (including crowdsourcing) and much more! Plus, Gayle wraps up the episode with some great book recommendations (and how many copies of each she’s ordering for the store).

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’s nearly 20-year journey in the book world.
• How the first spark for this idea came from listening to a podcast.
• Some of the fears and challenges Gayle is currently facing.
• Bookstore bootcamp and the other ways Gayle prepared to become a bookstore owner.
• All about raising capital: fundraising, crowdsourcing, small business loans, and the perks of working with a partner.
• How Gayle balances her personal reading tastes with the community’s expectations.
• The process of buying books and building the store’s collection.
• Breaking down book margins and why publishers tend to stay quiet about them.
• How Wonderland Books plans to stand out from other local bookstores.
• How this whole process has affected Gayle’s reading this year.
• Did Sarah just discover a new micro-genre?
• Plus, an impromptu request adds a fun twist to the book recommendations segment!

Gayle’s Book Recommendations [53:04]

Two OLD Books She Loves

• The Art Thief by Michael Finkel | Amazon | Bookshop.org [53:15]
• Talking at Night by Claire Daverley | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [55:55]
• Other Books Mentioned
  • Normal People by Sally Rooney [57:55] 

Two NEW Books She Loves

• The Caretaker by Ron Rash | Amazon | Bookshop.org [58:39]
• Green Dot by Madeleine Gray | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:01:15]
• Other Books Mentioned
  • The Risen by Ron Rash [59:03] 
  • Serena by Ron Rash [59:07]

One Book She DIDN’T Love

• Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:04:09]
• Other Books Mentioned
  • The Girls from Corona del Mar by Rufi Thorpe [1:04:33] 
  • The Knockout Queen by Rufi Thorpe [1:04:35] 

One NEW RELEASE She’s Excited About

• A Forty Year Kiss by Nickolas Butler (February 4, 2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:08:29]
• Other Books Mentioned:
  • Shotgun Lovesongs by Nickolas Butler [1:08:40]
  • Beneath the Bonfire by Nickolas Butler [1:09:12] 
  • Show Don’t Tell by Curtis Sittenfeld (February 25, 2025) [1:09:25] 
  • You Think It, I’ll Say It by Curtis Sittenfeld [1:09:36] 
  • Leaving by Roxana Robinson [1:10:12] 
  • Our Souls at Night by Kent Haruf [1:10:49] 

Last 5-Star Book Gayle Read

• The Husbands by Holly Gramazio | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:11:42]

Other Links

• The Bookshop Podcast with Mandy Jackson-Beverly
• The Bookstore Training Group

About Gayle Weiswasser

Blog | Instagram | X | Facebook 

Gayle Weiswasser is the co-founder of Wonderland Books, a soon-to-open independent bookstore opening soon in Bethesda, MD. Gayle is also the founder of the blog, Everyday I Write the Book and the co-host of the podcast The Readerly Report. Prior to opening Wonderland Books, Gayle was a lawyer and communications executive.  She’s a DC native and now lives in Chevy Chase, MD with her family.

Learn More about Wonderland Books:Website | Instagram | Facebook

In Episode 178, Al Woodworth, Senior Editor and Manager at Amazon Books Editorial, goes behind the scenes of Amazon’s editorial division, including the start-to-finish process of building the “Best Books” lists, what “best” might mean, and what helps a book make the list. Plus, Al shares some of 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

• How Al fits reading into her busy weekly schedule
• The start to finish process of building the Amazon “Best of” lists
• How Amazon balances genre diversity in their “Best of” lists
• What “best” means to Amazon’s editorial team
• Publication date criteria for the Best Books of the Month and Year lists
• How the team discusses, votes, and makes decisions for the lists
• Whether sales numbers influence the year-end list
• How Amazon’s editorial team handles publisher influence
• What 2024 looks like so far for Al and the editorial team

Al’s Book Recommendations [38:26]

Two OLD Books She Loves

• Horse by Geraldine Brooks | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:39]
• Empire of Pain by Patrick Radden Keefe | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [40:20]
• Other Books Mentioned
  • Say Nothing by Patrick Radden Keefe [41:32] 

Two NEW Books She Loves

• James by Percival Everett | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:05]
• There Are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:18]

One Book She DIDN’T Love

• Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:21]

One NEW RELEASE She’s Excited About

• The City and Its Uncertain Walls by Haruki Murakami (Nov 19) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:54]
• Other Books Mentioned:
  • 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami [51:09]

Last 5-Star Book Al Read

• There Are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:05]
• Other Books Mentioned:
  • John Lewis: A Life by David Greenberg (Oct 8) [52:26]

Books From Our Discussion

• All the Worst Humans by Phil Elwood [9:25]
• The Wedding People by Alison Espach [14:54]
• Fifty Words for Rain by Asha Lemmie [18:05]
• All the Broken Places by John Boyne [18:11]
• All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker [19:38]
• James by Percival Everett [21:40]
• Educated by Tara Westover [22:07]
• Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver [24:09]
• Spare by Prince Harry [25:25]
• The Testaments by Margaret Atwood [31:13] 
• The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood [31:25]
• The 9/11 Commission Report by National Commission on Terrorist Attacks [31:34]

About Al Woodworth

More about Amazon Book Review Website | Instagram | X | Facebook

Al Woodworth is a Senior Editor on the Amazon Books Editorial team and has spent more than ten years in the book industry, championing authors and their work. She’s never without a book or four in her bag and is happiest reading memoirs and literary fiction, especially sprawling stories that cross generations and countries. She lives in Brooklyn.

Welcome to the Fall 2024 Book Preview with Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books!  

Today, Catherine and I share 16 of our most anticipated books releasing mid-August through December.  

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

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

Announcement

• One of the many benefits to joining our Patreon Community 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 to all patrons (Stars and Superstars) and sign up here!

Highlights

• Catherine and Sarah share some big releases coming this fall (lightning round style).
• Catherine’s theme is “unpredictability” — half her picks are repeat authors and the other half simply caught her eye.
• Sarah’s choices feature 6 returning authors and overall are leaning more literary.
• A few shorter books from Sarah’s picks: under 300 pages.
• Sarah has already read and rated two of her picks!
• Plus, their #1 picks for the fall.

Big Fall Releases [1:29] 

Books Mentioned

• By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult (Aug 20) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:56]
• Death at the Sign of the Rook by Kate Atkinson (Sep 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:00]
• The Life Impossible by Matt Haig (Sep 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:05]
• Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty (Sep 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:11]
• The Mighty Red by Louise Erdrich (Oct 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:30]
• Framed by John Grisham and Jim McCloskey (Oct 15) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [2:36]
• The Grey Wolf by Louise Penny (Oct 29) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:39]
• The Blue Hour by Paula Hawkins (Oct 29) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:45]
• The City and Its Uncertain Walls by Haruki Murakami (Nov 19) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:51]
• It Starts with One: The Legend and Legacy of Linkin Park by Jason Lipshutz(Oct 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:54]
• MC5: An Oral Biography of Rock’s Most Revolutionary Band by Brad Tolinski, Jaan Uhelszki, and Ben Edmonds (Oct 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:55]
• Never Understood: The Jesus and Mary Chain by William Reid and Jim Reid(Sep 17) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:56]
• Scattershot: Life, Music, Elton & Me by Bernie Taupin (2023 release — in paperback Sep 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:58]
• The Name of This Band Is R.E.M.: A Biography by Peter Ames Carlin (Nov 5) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:59]

Backlist Titles Mentioned

• The Midnight Library by Matt Haig [2:08]
• The Measure by Nikki Erlick [2:27]
• The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins [2:45]
• 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami [3:02]
• What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami [3:25]

Fall 2024 Book Preview [6:34]

Mid-August

Catherine’s Pick

• There Are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak (Aug 20) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[9:22]

Other Books Mentioned

• The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak [11:03] 
• 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World by Elif Shafak [11:12] 

September

Sarah’s Picks

• Guide Me Home by Attica Locke (Sep 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [7:11]
• Madwoman by Chelsea Bieker (Sep 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:41]
• The Siege by Ben Macintyre (Sep 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [18:03] 
• Entitlement by Rumaan Alam (Sep 17) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [22:37] 
• A Reason to See You Again by Jami Attenberg (Sep 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [28:00]
• Adam and Evie’s Matchmaking Tour by Nora Nguyen (Sep 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:45]

Catherine’s Picks

• Dear Dickhead by Virginie Despentes (Sep 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [15:37]
• Bringer of Dust by J. M. Miro (Sep 17) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [20:28] 

Other Books Mentioned

• Bluebird, Bluebird by Attica Locke [7:21] 
• Heaven, My Home by Attica Locke [7:24]
• The Cutting Season by Attica Locke [7:55]
• Godshot by Chelsea Bieker [15:08] 
• The Spy and the Traitor by Ben Macintyre [18:12] 
• Ordinary Monsters by J. M. Miro [20:41] 
• Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam [22:57] 
• Trust by Hernan Diaz [23:45] 
• Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid [23:48] 
• All This Could Be Yours by Jami Attenberg [28:06]
• Saint Mazie by Jami Attenberg [28:09]
• The Middlesteins by Jami Attenberg [28:10]
• Memphis by Tara M. Stringfellow [29:39]
• Banyan Moon by Thao Tai [29:44]
• The Sicilian Inheritance by Jo Piazza [34:37]
• The Women by Kristin Hannah [35:44]

October

Sarah’s Picks

• The Sequel by Jean Hanff Korelitz (Oct 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:18] (To skip ahead, jump to [44:55] in your podcast player.)
• Shred Sisters by Betsy Lerner (Oct 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:44] 

Catherine’s Picks

• A Song to Drown Rivers by Ann Liang (Oct 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [26:11] 
• The Puzzle Box by Danielle Trussoni (Oct 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:59]
• Libby Lost and Found by Stephanie Booth (Oct 15) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[36:48]
• Like Mother, Like Mother by Susan Rieger (Oct 29) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:56] 

Other Books Mentioned

• The Puzzle Master by Danielle Trussoni [31:07]
• A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin [38:43]
• The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz [39:23]
• The Swans of Fifth Avenue by Melanie Benjamin [42:23] 
• Capote’s Women by Laurence Leamer [42:27] 
• It Starts with Us by Colleen Hoover [43:39] 
• The Heirs by Susan Rieger [45:04] 
• The Forest for the Trees by Betsy Lerner [46:56] 
• Happiness Falls by Angie Kim [47:53] 

November

Catherine’s Pick

• The Courting of Bristol Keats by Mary E. Pearson (Nov 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:53] 

In Episode 176, Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books and I catch up on the 12 new releases from the Summer 2024 Book Preview. We share our reading stats, chat about what we liked, and what didn’t work out. Listen in as we share our reviews on these books and get some recommendations for your next read! 

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

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

Highlights

• Catherine says she had a “hummingbird” summer of flitting from book to book to book.
• Sarah’s prediction of THE BOOK of summer definitely panned out!
• Despite some DNFs, Sarah and Catherine both ended up with a fairly successful summer.
• Catherine calls out one author as serving up wonderful “Jimmy Stewart fiction.”
• Sarah had a weird reading experience with one book.
• Plus, two of Sarah’s picks were 5 stars!
• They name the best and worst books from their summer picks!

Books We Read Before the Preview [4:27]

Sarah’s Picks

• The God of the Woods by Liz Moore  (July 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [4:47] 
• Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe (June 11) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[5:14]

Other Books Mentioned

• The Knockout Queen by Rufi Thorpe [6:09]

Summer 2024 Circle Back [7:36]

June

Sarah’s Picks

• Fire Exit by Morgan Talty (June 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:10]
• What You Leave Behind by Wanda M. Morris (June 18) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:39]

Catherine’s Picks

• Swift River by Essie Chambers (June 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [7:44]
• Same As It Ever Was by Claire Lombardo (June 18) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[14:59]
• All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker (June 25) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [23:10]
• How the Light Gets In by Joyce Maynard (June 25) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[29:04] 

Other Books Mentioned

• Night of the Living Rez by Morgan Talty [11:35]
• The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo [15:09]
• All Her Little Secrets by Wanda M. Morris [20:55]
• Anywhere You Run by Wanda M. Morris [20:58]
• We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker [27:01]

July

Sarah’s Picks

• The World After Alice by Lauren Aliza Green (July 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [30:39]
• Long Island Compromise by Taffy Brodesser-Akner  (July 9) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [37:42]

Catherine’s Picks

• The Same Bright Stars by Ethan Joella (July 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[33:43]
• The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali (July 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:28] 

Other Books Mentioned

• Seating Arrangements by Maggie Shipstead [33:01]
• The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo [33:04]
• Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane [33:09]
• A Quiet Life by Ethan Joella [36:53]
• Fleishman Is in Trouble by Taffy Brodesser-Akner [37:48]
• The Stationary Shop by Marjan Kamali [42:35]

In Episode 175, Susie Boutry (@NovelVisits) and I explore our favorite Micro Genres for 2024. Over the past year, we’ve continued to refine our reading tastes and identify specific themes and types of books that resonate deeply with us. This year, Susie and I have a curated list of 10 all-new Micro Genres, along with standout books from each category. It’s another big episode with tons of 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.

Cold War Espionage (Sarah) [3:19]

Sarah

• Red Widow by Alma Katsu | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [4:49]
• Red London by Alma Katsu | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [4:50]
• Our American Friend by Anna Pitoniak | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [5:10] 
• The Charm School by Nelson DeMille | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [5:20]  
• Red Notice by Bill Browder | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [5:47]
• The Spy and the Traitor by Ben Macintyre | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [6:01]

Susie

• The Sisterhood by Liz Mundy | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [6:26] 

Angsty Motherhood (Susie) [7:21]

Sarah

• Perfect Tunes by Emily Gould | Amazon | Bookshop.org [12:00]

Susie

• Soldier Sailor by Claire Kilroy | Amazon | Bookshop.org [8:38]
• Same As It Ever Was by Claire Lombardo | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:04]
• Amazing Grace Adams by Fran Littlewood | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [10:37]
• When I Ran Away by Ilona Bannister | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [10:53] 
• Little Prisons by Ilona Bannister (currently unavailable in the US)  [10:54] 
• Landslide by Susan Conley | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:57]
• The Push by Ashley Audrain | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [11:00] 

Memoirs About the Demise of a Marriage (Sarah) [12:18]

Sarah

• How to Stay Married by Harrison Scott Key | Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:26]
• You Could Make This Place Beautiful by Maggie Smith | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [13:52] 
• A Beautiful, Terrible Thing by Jen Waite | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [14:11] 
• Bankruptcy by Janet Lombardi | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [14:14] 

Susie

• Untamed by Glennon Doyle | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:49]

Pandemic Stories (Susie) [15:26]

NOT Based on the COVID-19 Pandemic & More Dystopian [15:49] 

Sarah

• Wanderers by Chunk Wendig | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [17:43] 

Susie

• Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [16:06]
• The Dog Stars by Peter Heller | Amazon | Bookshop.org [16:20]
• The Memory of Animals by Claire Fuller | Amazon | Bookshop.org [16:41] 
• Severance by Ling Ma | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [17:07]
• The Dreamers by Karen Thompson Walker | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [18:20] 

With the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Background [18:28] 

Sarah

• 56 Days by Catherine Ryan Howard | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [20:37] 
• Reef Road by Deborah Goodrich Royce | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [20:40] 

Susie

• Blue Ruin by Hari Kunzru | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [18:37] 
• Day by Michael Cunningham | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [19:17] 
• Tom Lake by Ann Patchett | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [19:47] 
• Pete and Alice in Maine by Caitlin Shetterly | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [19:49] 

Other Books Mentioned

• Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult [21:09] 
• Invisible Son by Kim Johnson [21:14] 
• This Is My America by Kim Johnson [21:19] 
• The Measure by Nikki Erlick [22:03] 

Did She Actually Say That?! (Sarah) [23:03]

Sarah

• Miracle Creek by Angie Kim | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:18] 
• Happiness Falls by Angie Kim | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:19] 
• The Push by Ashley Audrain | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [24:55] 
• All This Could Be Yours by Jami Attenberg | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [25:14] 
• Sociopath by Patric Gagne, PhD | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [25:42] 

Susie

• The Change by Kirsten Miller | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [26:15]
• On the Savage Side by Tiffany McDaniel | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [26:32]  

Books Revolving Around Generational Trauma (Susie) [27:34]

Sarah

• Strange Sally Diamond by Liz Nugent | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:24] 
• Memphis by Tara M. Stringfellow | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [31:28] 
• What My Bones Know by Stephanie Foo | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [31:52] 
• The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk, MD | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [31:54]
• What Happened to You? by Oprah Winfrey and Bruce D. Perry, MD PhD | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [31:57]  

Susie

• Grown Women by Sarai Johnson | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [29:08] 
• Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [29:58] 
• The Postcard by Anne Berest | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [30:27] 
• Saving Ruby King by Catherine Adel West | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [30:50] 
• All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir | Amazon | Bookshop.org   [30:53] 
• Swift River by Essie Chambers | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [30:56] 
• Brotherless Night by V. V. Ganeshanathan | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [30:59] 

Co-Ed Friend Groups (Sarah) [32:18]

Sarah

• The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:17] 
• Shotgun Lovesongs by Nickolas Butler | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:29] 
• The Ensemble by Aja Gabel | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:39]  
• All Together Now by Matthew Norman | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:47] 
• Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [34:01]
• The Christmas Orphans Club by Becca Freeman | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:14]

Susie

• The Celebrants by Steven Rowley | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [34:36] 
• Who We Are Now by Lauryn Chamberlain | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [35:16] 

Peace, Love, and Rock n’ Roll / Books Set in the ’60s & ’70s (Susie) [36:58]

Susie

• The Women by Kristin Hannah | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:09] 
• Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:31] 
• Mary Jane by Jessica Anya Blau | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [38:57] 
• The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead | Amazon | Bookshop.org [spp-timestamp time=”[39:11]″] 
• All You Have to Do Is Call by Kerri Maher | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [39:39]
• Last House by Jessica Shattuck | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [39:53] 

Surprisingly High-Quality Celebrity Memoirs (Sarah) [40:33]

Sarah

• Open by Andre Agassi | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [41:05] 
• Spare by Prince Harry | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [41:07] 
• Open Book by Jessica Simpson | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:16] 
• Finding Me by Viola Davis | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [43:11] 
• Becoming by Michelle Obama | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [43:15]
• Only Say Good Things by Crystal Hefner | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [43:21]  

Susie

• Born a Crime by Trevor Noah | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [44:19] 

Other Books Mentioned

• The Woman in Me by Britney Spears [41:45] 
• The Many Lives of Mama Love by Laura Love Hardin [43:33] 

Look Backs (Susie) [44:38]

Sarah

• City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:11]
• Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk by Kathleen Rooney | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [48:33] 
• Victim by Andrew Boryga | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:06] 

Susie

• The Rachel Incident by Caroline O’Donoghue | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:30]
• The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:03]
• Now Is Not the Time to Panic by Kevin Wilson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:08]
• Absolution by Alice McDermott | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:30]

Other Books Mentioned

• Happiness Falls by Angie Kim [47:47]