In the Winter 2022 Book Preview (Ep. 102), Catherine (Gilmore Guide to Books) and I shared our most anticipated books set to release January – March 2022 (with one early April release). Today, we’re giving an update on the books we shared in the Winter Preview — now that we’ve had the chance to read them.  This post contains affiliate links, through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). Highlights  Sarah’s and Catherine’s Winter 2022 reading stats and success rates. How their success rates compare to Fall 2021 and Winter 2021. Sarah talks about the key to her tremendous reading success lately. Their Best and Worst picks from the Winter 2022 Book Preview episode.  Winter 2022 Books Read Before the Preview [2:54] Sarah’s Picks:  Beautiful Little Fools by Jillian Cantor (February 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:24] I Came All This Way to Meet You by Jami Attenberg (January 11) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:11]   Catherine’s Picks:  Honor by Thrity Umrigar (January 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [4:34] No Land to Light On by Yara Zgheib (January 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [7:01]   Winter 2022 Circle Back [8:08] January Sarah’s Pick:  Fiona and Jane by Jean Chen Ho (January 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [8:08]  Catherine’s Picks:  To Paradise by Hanya Yanagihara (January 11) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [12:35]  The Department of Rare Books and Special Collections by Eva Jurczyk (January 25) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:49] Notes on an Execution by Danya Kukafka (January 25) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:34]  February Sarah’s Picks:  What the Fireflies Knew by Kai Harris (February 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [15:11] Our American Friend by Anna Pitoniak (February 15) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:03] Fake by Erica Katz (February 22) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:52]   Catherine’s Pick:  Love and Saffron by Kim Fay (February 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:32]  March Sarah’s Pick:  Don’t Know Tough by Eli Cranor (March 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:57]  Catherine’s Picks:  One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle (March 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:13] Dilettante by Dana Brown (March 22) | Buy from Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:38]  April Sarah’s Pick:  Memphis by Tara M. Stringfellow (April 5) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:58]  Other Books Mentioned  The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald [3:33]  The Secrets We Kept by Lara Prescott [24:19] American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld [24:25] Girl in Snow by Danya Kukafka [24:49] The Boys’ Club by Erica Katz [28:05] Friday Night Lights by H. G. Bissinger [37:32] The Bright Lands by John Fram [38:30] Never Simple by Liz Scheier [40:45]  About Catherine Gilmore Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Catherine started The Gilmore Guide to Books over 6 years ago after wrapping up a career as a corporate librarian. She loves books and reading (surprise!) and currently lives in Ann Arbor, MI.

Ep. 108: Winter 2022 Circle Back 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: 

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

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

Arts

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Performing Arts

Design

Food

Fashion & Beauty

Visual Arts

Books

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!   CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog. Highlights  Now that the 2024 Summer Reading Guide is set, Sarah welcomes heavier and more literary books. Catherine is leaning into several themes with books covering 4 decades. With a clean split of 3 new or debut authors and 3 repeat authors, Catherine is trying for more wins this season. Kick back with several summer picks that are 450+ pages. Sarah’s choices feature a wide variety of topics with 2 debuts and 4 returning authors. Sarah has already read and rated two of her picks 5 stars! Plus, listen in to hear their #1 picks for the summer season.  Summer 2024 Book Preview [2:49] June Sarah’s Picks  Fire Exit by Morgan Talty (June 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:28] Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe (June 11) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[9:05] What You Leave Behind by Wanda M. Morris (June 18) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:59]  Catherine’s Picks  Swift River by Essie Chambers (June 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [6:44] Same As It Ever Was by Claire Lombardo (June 18) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[14:34] All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker (June 25) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [21:17] How the Light Gets In by Joyce Maynard (June 25) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[29:31]   Other Books Mentioned  The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters [3:33] Night of the Living Rez by Morgan Talty [3:52] Real Americans by Rachel Khong [9:31] The Knockout Queen by Rufi Thorpe [9:41] Unlikely Animals by Annie Hartnett [12:10] Rabbit Cake by Annie Hartnett [12:11] The Hop by Diana Clarke [13:26] The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo [14:42] All Her Little Secrets by Wanda M. Morris [18:16] Anywhere You Run by Wanda M. Morris [18:21] We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker [22:38] Nightwatching by Tracy Sierra [23:10] At Home in the World by Joyce Maynard (memoir published in 1998) [32:29]  July Sarah’s Picks  The God of the Woods by Liz Moore (July 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [25:12]  The World After Alice by Lauren Aliza Green (July 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:17] Long Island Compromise by Taffy Brodesser-Akner (July 9) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [38:00]  Catherine’s Picks  The Same Bright Stars by Ethan Joella (July 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[35:28] The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali (July 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:11]   Other Books Mentioned  Long Bright River by Liz Moore [25:22] I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai [28:56] Seating Arrangements by Maggie Shipstead [34:09] Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane [34:23] Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid [34:46] A Quiet Life by Ethan Joella [35:37] Marrying the Ketchups by Jennifer Close [36:26] Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club by J. Ryan Stradal [36:29] The Half Moon by Mary Beth Keane [36:45] Fleishman Is in Trouble by Taffy Brodesser-Akner [38:53] The Stationary Shop by Marjan Kamali [42:31] 

Ep. 170: Summer 2024 Book Preview with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide)

In Episode 169, Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books and I catch up on the 12 new releases from the  Spring 2024 Book Preview. We share our reading stats, chat about what we liked, and what didn’t quite hit the mark. Tune in to hear our thoughts 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. Access the 2024 Summer Reading Guide Cheatsheet and Free Trial on Patreon here. Highlights  Catherine describes spring as “disappointing and confusing” — Is 2024 a slow year for standout reads? Catherine’s spring reading trend dips over the past three years. On the flip side, spring seems to be Sarah’s reading season! This spring brought Sarah two 4.5-star books. One of Catherine’s auto-buy authors no longer makes the cut. Sarah’s wildcard selection missed the mark this season as well. Both Catherine and Sarah’s top picks from the Preview didn’t quite deliver. They name the best and worst books from their spring picks.⁠  Books We Read Before the Preview [6:20] Sarah’s Picks  The Sicilian Inheritance by Jo Piazza (April 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [6:27] Colton Gentry’s Third Act by Jeff Zenter (April 30) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[9:19]  Spring 2024 Book Preview [10:22] April Sarah’s Pick  The Wives by Simone Gorrindo (April 9) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [15:09]  Catherine’s Picks  Christa Comes Out of Her Shell by Abbi Waxman (April 16) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:22] Honey by Victor Lodato (April 16) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:56] Real Americans by Rachel Khong (April 30) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:23]  Other Books Mentioned  Other People’s Houses by Abbi Waxman [13:51] The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman [14:32] You Could Make This Place Beautiful by Maggie Smith [19:17] Maid by Stephanie Land [19:19] Between Two Kingdoms by Suleika Jaouad [19:21] Know My Name by Chanel Miller [19:23] Hillbilly Elegy by J. D. Vance [19:25] Educated by Tara Westover [19:26] Greenwood by Michael Christie [26:02]  May Sarah’s Picks  The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley  (May 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[27:36]  The Wealth of Shadows by Graham Moore (May 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [34:49] Allow Me to Introduce Myself by Onyi Nwabineli  (May 28) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:11]  Catherine’s Picks  The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean (May 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[30:58]  The Guncle Abroad by Steven Rowley (May 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[39:28] Lies and Weddings by Kevin Kwan (May 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:00]   Other Books Mentioned  The Hunter’s Daughter by Nicola Solvinic [33:17] The Last Days of Night by Graham Moore [39:26] The Guncle by Steven Rowley [39:37] Someday, Maybe by Onyi Nwabineli [42:25] Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan [47:05] 

Ep. 169: Spring 2024 Circle Back with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide)

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. 108: Winter 2022 Circle Back with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide)

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