In Episode 160, Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) and I share the best backlist books we read in 2023. We each discuss our top 5 backlist books from last year, highlight some underrated backlist gems, and review our backlist reading statistics. Devoting an entire episode to backlist reading is something we love doing and we've heard from you that you love it too!  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  Available Now! To get the backlist reading guide, The Best of the Backlist, you can sign up to be a Superstars patron here. You’ll also get access to a monthly bonus podcast series called Double Booked (where Catherine or Susie and I share our own book recommendations in the same format as the big show) and my  Rock Your Reading Tracker.  Highlights  Catherine had a small uptick in her backlist reading — her most successful segment of books in 2023! Sarah's backlist reading was slightly less successful than last year — maybe marking an unfortunate trend. How Sarah's decreased DNFs for last year impacted her Backlist stats. While Catherine has already read many of Sarah's picks, Sarah has already purchased (but not yet read) many of Catherine's choices!  Our Top 5 Backlist Books We Read in 2023 [7:37] Catherine  Black and Blue by Anna Quindlen | Amazon | Bookshop.org [7:44] True Biz by Sara Nović | Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:12] All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:52] The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:58] Leaving Atlanta by Tayari Jones | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:31]  Sarah  Lying in Wait by Liz Nugent | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:24] What My Bones Know by Stephanie Foo | Amazon | Bookshop.org [15:36] Search by Michelle Huneven | Amazon | Bookshop.org [21:41] Like a House on Fire by Lauren McBrayer | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:04] The Swimmers by Julie Otsuka | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:55]  Other Books Mentioned  Strange Sally Diamond by Liz Nugent [10:38] Unraveling Oliver by Liz Nugent [11:10] The Ensemble by Aja Gabel [23:19] Untamed by Glennon Doyle [31:14] An American Marriage by Tayari Jones [33:22] Silver Sparrow by Tayari Jones [36:31]  Underrated Backlist Gems [39:54] Catherine  Too Bright to Hear Too Loud to See by Juliann Garey | Amazon | Bookshop.org[40:07]  A Quiet Life by Ethan Joella | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:06]  Sarah  Something Wild by Hanna Halperin | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:12]  The Spy and the Traitor by Ben Macintyre | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [51:01]  Other Books Mentioned  I Could Live Here Forever by Hanna Halperin [45:21] Red Widow by Alma Katsu [54:02] Red London by Alma Katsu [54:03]  Other Links  Vogue |  In Finishing My Book… by Lauren McBrayer 

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

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

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- 2 NEW BOOKS THEY LOVE
- 1 BOOK THEY DON’T LOVE
- AND 1 NEW RELEASE THEY’RE EXCITED ABOUT

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Susie Boutry (@NovelVisits) and I share our favorite books that missed last year’s Summer Reading Guide, some shorter books we think are great for summer reading, and our #1 picks for each category featured in my 2024 Summer Reading Guide.  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. Access the 2024 Summer Reading Guide Cheatsheet and Free Trial on Patreon here. Summer Reading [9:19] Books That Missed Last Year’s Summer Reading Guide [10:14] Sarah  All the Sinners Bleed by S. A. Cosby | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:21] Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Guide for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto | Amazon | Bookshop.org [15:22] The Hop by Diana Clarke | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:22]   Susie  Shark Heart by Emily Habeck | Amazon | Bookshop.org [12:58] Perfectly Nice Neighbors by Kia Abdullah | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:04]  The Last Ranger by Peter Heller | Amazon | Bookshop.org [23:24]   Other Books Mentioned  Blacktop Wasteland by S. A. Cosby [11:08] Razorblade Tears by S. A. Cosby [11:10]  Dial ‘A’ for Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto [16:26] Take It Back by Kia Abdullah [20:07]  Shorter Books Great for Summer Reading [26:00] Sarah  All Together Now by Matthew Norman | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:13]  Eight Perfect Murders by Peter Swanson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:48]  Be spoiler ready: The murders and endings of The A.B.C. Murders by Agatha Christie, Strangers on a Train by Patricia Highsmith, The Red House Mystery by A.A. Milne, Malice Aforethought by Francis Iles, Double Indemnity by James M. Cain, The Drowner by Robert Drewe, The Secret History by Donna Tartt, and Deathtrap by Ira Levin are discussed in detail as noted in the book.  But many readers have lamented that the endings and main plots were also spoiled for The Murder of Roger Ackroyd and And Then There Were None, both by Agatha Christie.   FantasticLand by Mike Bockoven | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:29]  Susie  Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle | Amazon | Bookshop.org [28:09]  I’m Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reid | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:52] One Woman Show by Christine Coulson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:06]  Other Books Mentioned  In Five Years by Rebecca Serle [28:49] One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle [28:51]  The Measure by Nikki Erlick [31:00] The Kind Worth Killing by Peter Swanson [31:54]  Our #1 Summer Picks by Category  [42:43] Something Light / Fun  Sarah: The Husbands by Holly Gramazio | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:20]  Susie: Annie Bot by Sierra Greer | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:13]  Other Books Mentioned:  The Measure by Nikki Erlick [45:19] The One by John Marrs [45:23]    Slow-Burn Suspense  Sarah: The God of the Woods by Liz Moore (July 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[49:37]   Something Fast-Paced / Intense  Susie: What Happened to Nina? by Dervla McTiernan | Amazon | Bookshop.org[51:49]   Something With a Bit More Substance  Sarah: Real Americans by Rachel Khong | Amazon | Bookshop.org [55:50]  Susie: Beautyland by Marie-Helene Bertino | Amazon | Bookshop.org [58:11]  Other Books Mentioned:  Goodbye, Vitamin by Rachel Khong [57:42]    Something Different  Sarah: The Wealth of Shadows by Graham Moore (May 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:02:08]  Susie: Interesting Facts About Space by Emily Austin | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:05:00]  Other Books Mentioned:  We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter [1:03:55] Everyone in This Room Will Someday Be Dead by Emily Austin [1:05:50]   

Ep. 168: 2024 Summer Reading Special with Susie (@NovelVisits)

Ep. 167: Circling Back to 2018 in Books with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide)

In episode 166, author Andrew Boryga joins me to discuss his debut novel, Victim, a funny and gripping satire about success and identity. Through the adventures of Javier, Victim explores what “diversity” means, why society loves a victim narrative, and the pitfalls of chasing fame online. Boryga combines humor with biting social commentary without sacrificing heart. This is a juicy and highly discussable story! In our chat, Andrew shares his inspiration behind the book, his decade long road to publication, and what he finds most effective in a satirical novel.  Plus, Andrew shares some fantastic 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 spoiler-free overview of Victim. Andrew shares the inspiration and decade-long development of the story. How his journalism background is reflected in his book. Why Andrew decided to craft Javier’s story as a memoir. Andrew’s journey to finding an agent and getting published. Why Andrew followed his dream of writing fiction, rather than publishing an essay collection like many publishing insiders were advising him. The way his story drafts and characters evolved over time. How his MFA workshop helped shaped the story. Riding that fine line for a balanced satire: focusing on the social commentary without going over the top. The themes Andrew is exploring in his next book!  Andrew’s Book Recommendations [34:19] Two OLD Books He Loves  Bodega Dreams by Ernesto Quiñonez | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:30] Loving Day by Mat Johnson  | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [36:11] Other Book Mentioned:  Pym by Mat Johnson [37:56]    Two NEW Books He Loves  The Birthparents by Frank Santo | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:09] Blackouts by Justin Torres | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:38] Other Book Mentioned:  We the Animals by Justin Torres [40:57]    One Book He DIDN’T Love  Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah | Amazon | Bookshop.org[42:13] Other Book Mentioned:  The Brief Wonderous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Díaz [43:21]    One NEW RELEASE He’s Excited About  Oye by Melissa Mogollon (May 14, 2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:14]  Last 5-Star Book Andrew Read  Nightbitch by Rachel Yoder | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:37]  Other Books Mentioned  Yellowface by R. F. Kuang [27:31] The Sellout by Paul Beatty [31:14]  About Andrew Boryga Website | Instagram | X (formerly Twitter)   Andrew Boryga is a writer, editor, and author from the Bronx, New York, currently residing in Miami, Florida with his wife and two children. Victim is his debut novel. Boryga began his career writing for a local newspaper in the Bronx at age 16, eventually securing an internship with The New York Timesby age 18. His nonfiction writing has since been featured in prominent publications such as The New Yorker, The Atlantic, The Paris Review, and The Daily Beast, among others.  Boryga’s contributions to writing education extend beyond his own work, encompassing teaching roles for elementary school students, college students, and incarcerated individuals in Florida. He has also shared his insights on writing and the writing life through lectures at various academic institutions.  Throughout his career, Boryga has been awarded prizes by Cornell University, The University of Miami, The Susquehanna Review, and The Michener Foundation.   

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

Welcome to the Spring 2024 Book Preview with Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books!   In this episode, Catherine and I share 12 of our most anticipated books releasing in April and May.    This post contains affiliate links through 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 is fully embracing spring with some lighter, fun reading. Sarah is joining the fun with lighter reads as she preps for the Summer Reading Guide. Among weddings, homecomings, and books set in Washington State, Catherine is bringing 5 out of 6 familiar authors. With some atypical stories, Sarah has some with historical fiction elements and a nonfiction book. Sarah’s choices feature 2 debuts and 3 returning authors. Hopefully going for a tamer wildcard pick will work out for Sarah this season. Sarah has read and liked 2 of her chosen books, and has also started one of Catherine’s picks! And don’t forget to catch their top #1 picks for the spring season!  Spring 2024 Book Preview [3:52] April Sarah’s Picks  The Wives by Simone Gorrindo (April 9) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [4:54] The Sicilian Inheritance by Jo Piazza (April 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:10] Colton Gentry’s Third Act by Jeff Zenter (April 30) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[19:51]  Catherine’s Picks  Christa Comes Out of Her Shell by Abbi Waxman (April 16) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [8:54] Honey by Victor Lodato (April 16) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:08] Real Americans by Rachel Khong (April 30) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:45]  Other Books Mentioned  The Wanderers by Meg Howrey [7:16] You Could Make This Place Beautiful by Maggie Smith [8:10] Maid by Stephanie Land [8:13] Between Two Kingdoms by Suleika Jaouad [8:17] Know My Name by Chanel Miller [8:20] Hillbilly Elegy by J. D. Vance [8:22] Educated by Tara Westover [8:24] Other People’s Houses by Abbi Waxman [10:37] We Are Not Like Them by Christine Pride and Jo Piazza [13:53] Charlotte Walsh Likes to Win by Jo Piazza [14:01] Edgar and Lucy by Victor Lodato [17:17] All This Could Be Yours by Jami Attenberg [19:14] The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner [20:16] Normal People by Sally Rooney [22:36] Goodbye, Vitamin by Rachel Khong [24:55]  May Sarah’s Picks  The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley  (May 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[29:20]  The Wealth of Shadows by Graham Moore (May 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [36:13] Allow Me to Introduce Myself by Onyi Nwabineli  (May 28) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:05]  Catherine’s Picks  The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean (May 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[33:00]  The Guncle Abroad by Steven Rowley (May 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[39:12] Lies and Weddings by Kevin Kwan (May 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:31]   Other Books Mentioned  Outlander by Diana Gabaldon [32:03] The Holdout by Graham Moore [36:22] The Swans of Fifth Avenue by Melanie Benjamin [36:59] The Last Days of Night by Graham Moore [37:39] The Guncle by Steven Rowley [39:36] The Editor by Steven Rowley [41:45] Someday, Maybe by Onyi Nwabineli [42:12] The Buccaneers by Edith Wharton [46:28]  Other Books Mentioned  Say Hello to My Little Friend by Jennine Capó Crucet [3:39]  About Catherine Gilmore Blog | Facebook | Instagram | X  (formerly Twitter) 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.

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

In today’s episode, Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) and I circle back to the 16 books we featured in the  Winter 2024 Book Preview. We’ll be sharing our reading stats and thoughts on the books we’ve read (or attempted), to help you decide which ones to add to your reading list and which ones to skip.  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 and Sarah share their Winter 2024 reading stats and success rates. Despite some trouble in her reading early on, Catherine ended up with a successful winter. Sarah’s reading had a mix of fiction and nonfiction with several debuts. We’ve got a total of 3 five-star books! Does a mythology retelling always work for Catherine? Was Sarah’s wildcard pick a little too out there for her? Plus, don’t miss their #1 picks for winter.  Books We Read Before the Preview [3:44] Sarah’s Picks  Mercury by Amy Jo Burns (January 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:49] The Fortune Seller by Rachel Kapelke-Dale (February 13) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [6:30]  Other Books Mentioned  Shiner by Amy Jo Burns [3:54] Cinderland by Amy Jo Burns [5:30] The Ballerinas by Rachel Kapelke-Dale [8:34] The Ingenue by Rachel Kapelke-Dale [8:35]  Winter 2024 Circle Back [9:14] January Sarah’s Picks  River East, River West by Aube Rey Lescure (January 9) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:00] Everyone on This Train Is a Suspect by Benjamin Stevenson (January 30) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:52]  Catherine’s Picks  The Fury by Alex Michaelides (January 16) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [9:23] Family Family by Laurie Frankel (January 23) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:35]  Other Books Mentioned  The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides [11:32] This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel [22:42] One Two Three by Laurie Frankel [22:43] Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson [22:57] Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie [23:14]  February Sarah’s Picks  Dixon, Descending by Karen Outen (February 6) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[30:04]  Leaving by Roxana Robinson  (February 13) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [36:06]  Catherine’s Picks  The Things We Didn’t Know by Elba Iris Pérez (February 6) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:06]  Medea by Eilish Quin (February 13) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:17] Whiskey Tender by Deborah Jackson Taffa (February 27) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [39:29]  Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange (February 27) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [40:49] After Annie by Anna Quindlen (February 27) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:20]  Other Books Mentioned  Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer [33:13] There There by Tommy Orange [41:02]  March Sarah’s Picks  Say Hello to My Little Friend by Jennine Capó Crucet  (March 5) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [43:23] Headshot by Rita Bullwinkel (March 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [47:55]  Catherine’s Pick  James by Percival Everett (March 19) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [50:13]  Other Books Mentioned  My Time Among the Whites by Jennine Capó Crucet [45:10] The Knockout Queen by Rufi Thorpe [48:26] Good for a Girl by Lauren Fleshman [49:52] Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain [50:29]  Other Links   Sara Hildreth (FictionMatters) on Substack | Reading in Public No. 32: Six things to know about Huck Finn before you read James  About Catherine Gilmore Blog | Facebook | Instagram | X  (formerly Twitter) Catherine started The Gilmore Guide to Books over 10 years ago after wrapping up a career as a corporate librarian. She loves books and reading (surprise!) and currently lives in Seattle, WA.

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

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