Catherine and I share our most anticipated books coming out January – March 2021. Also, stay tuned for my Most Anticipated Books of Winter 2021 blog post, which is coming out soon. I’ll share some of the books I talked about in this podcast, but also some that I didn’t! This post contains affiliate links, through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). Highlights How we feel our 2021 reading taste (compared to the weirdness of 2020) might pan out based on t...
Jan 06, 2021•54 min•Ep. 73
In Episode 72, Catherine Gilmore (@gilmoreguide) and I share the best backlist books we read in 2020 and the high priority backlist books on our TBR lists. This post contains affiliate links, through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). Announcements Sarah’s 2020 Holiday Gift Guide 2021 Rock Your Reading Tracker Highlights Catherine and my 2020 backlist reading stats. Things that motivate Catherine and I to read more backlist throughout the year. The pre...
Dec 09, 2020•56 min•Ep. 72
In Episode 71, Susie Boutry ( @NovelVisits ) and I share our favorite 2020 books (overall and by genre) and our picks for tons of bookish superlatives. This post contains affiliate links, through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). Announcements Sarah’s 2020 Holiday Gift Guide 2021 Rock Your Reading Tracker Highlights 2020 Podcast Overview (including favorite and most downloaded episodes) Overview of our reading years (including the impact of COVID-19) ...
Nov 25, 2020•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 71
In Episode 70, Claire Handscombe from Libro.fm joins me to talk about Libro.fm , tips for audiobook listeners, and shares a TON of fantastic audiobook recommendations. Special Offer for New $5/month Patrons ( sign up here ) Libro.fm is offering 1 free audiobook credit to anyone who signs up to support Sarah’s Bookshelves on Patreon during the month of November! Plus, we’ve got some fun things planned for patrons for the end of the year: Best Books of 2020 Tournament for Patrons (culminating in a...
Nov 11, 2020•54 min•Ep. 70
In Episode 69, Peace Adzo Medie (author of His Only Wife ) talks about why she decided to use fiction to speak out about gender politics, the importance of women asserting themselves, and when first started writing (it was when she was very young!). Please note that this episode was recorded before His Only Wife was announced as Reese’s Book Club’s October pick . This post contains affiliate links, through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). Highlights ...
Oct 28, 2020•52 min•Ep. 69
In Episode 68, Eilene Zimmerman (author of Smacked ) shares how she decided to go public with her experience discovering her ex-husband was addicted to drugs, her research into addiction in the legal profession, and how Peter’s death shaped Eilene’s life now. This post contains affiliate links, through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). Highlights How Eilene went from not divulging the real reason Peter died beyond a very small circle of friends and fa...
Oct 14, 2020•50 min•Ep. 68
In Episode 67, Kelly Jensen of Book Riot shares what she learned from a survey of librarians about how they’re managing through COVID-19, ripple effects of COVID-19 on libraries moving forward, and the huge cost differential for libraries to acquire digital books (e-books and audiobooks) vs. print books. This post contains affiliate links, through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). Highlights The many things libraries do beyond lending books. What Kell...
Sep 30, 2020•56 min•Ep. 67
In Episode 66, Kate Stayman-London (author of One to Watch ) talks about how The Bachelor / ette franchise inspired her book, diversity in the franchise, and shares her biggest fear before her book came out. This post contains affiliate links, through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). Highlights How Kate got from writing for Hillary Clinton to writing fiction about reality TV. The novel Kate thought she was going to write before she ended up writing O...
Sep 16, 2020•56 min•Ep. 66
Catherine and I share our most anticipated books coming out August – December 2020. This post contains affiliate links, through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). Highlights Catherine and my success rate for books we shared in our Summer 2020 Preview episode. Why our ability to pick books feels off right now. Our Best and Worst picks from the Summer 2020 Preview episode. An inadvertent running theme in this episode. Sarah’s and Catherine’s #1 Fall book...
Sep 02, 2020•56 min•Ep. 65
Catherine Adel West (author of Saving Ruby King ) talks about how she found her agent, the strong women of Saving Ruby King , and how she decided to make the church a narrator. This post contains affiliate links, through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). Highlights How different her first draft was from the final book. The story of how she found an agent (via a Twitter contest for marginalized writers!) and Saving Ruby King was bought by a publisher. ...
Aug 19, 2020•55 min•Ep. 64
I'm sharing a quick update about a few changes to expect with the podcast when it comes back on the air on August 19. And, I'm sharing the high-level survey results that drove some of these changes. Eliminate the Rate It Game (and replace with a closing question I ask every guest). Add quarterly special episodes with a recurring guest host (in addition to the Previews)...that focus mostly on backlist books. Begin the Fall with bi-weekly full length episodes until I understand how much time I hav...
Aug 07, 2020•15 min
In Episode 63, Helen Dea Bala (author of Craigslist Confessional ) shares why she started Craigslist Confessional , how she decided to quit her job to pursue Craigslist Confessional full-time, and shares her own story of immigrating to the U.S. from Albania. This post contains affiliate links, through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). Announcement [00:55] Y’all know I had always planned to air the podcast bi-weekly through the summer. As the summer ha...
Jul 08, 2020•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 63
In Episode 62, Morgan Hoit (Associate Marketing Manager at Avid Reader Press & @nycbookgirl) and I go behind-the-scenes of book marketing…including read-alikes, celebrity book clubs, author blurbs, and cover art. Morgan also shares some of her favorite memoirs, a genre she’s been loving lately. This post contains affiliate links, through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). Highlights How Morgan made the jump from #bookstagrammer to working for a publish...
Jun 24, 2020•54 min•Ep. 62
A lot has happened in the world over the past couple weeks that hasn’t been reflected on the podcast because June episodes were recorded in mid-May. So, I wanted to bring you this special bonus episode to highlight some books by black authors that I’ve loved over the past couple years. These are stories of the lives of particular black characters and people that have stuck with me (in many cases for years) since I read them. I’m also looking to highlight more stories by and about black people mo...
Jun 17, 2020•37 min
Special Note This episode was recorded on May 14, 2020. A lot has happened since then, so I wanted to time-stamp this to provide appropriate context for our discussion. Next Wednesday, I'm releasing a special bonus episode sharing my favorite books by black authors. In Episode 61, Kimberly McCreight (author of A Good Marriage ) shares her 11 year journey to publishing her first novel, why she wanted to focus on marriage in this book, how working during coronavirus has been, and a possible sequel...
Jun 10, 2020•57 min•Ep. 61
Welcome to the Summer 2020 Book Preview with Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books ! Catherine and I share our most anticipated books coming out in June and July 2020. Also, stay tuned for my Most Anticipated Books of Summer 2020 blog post, which is coming out tomorrow. I’ll share some of the books I talked about in this podcast, but also some that I didn’t! This post contains affiliate links, through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). Sponsor Sudio (ear...
May 27, 2020•57 min•Ep. 60
In Mini Episode 59, Alyssa Hertzig ( @alyssahertzig , @alyssaisbooked ) shares how she got back into reading after a long hiatus and we do an impromptu deep dive on Ann Patchett (one of my all-time favorite authors)…plus, celebrity memoirs. This post contains affiliate links, through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). Sponsor This episode is sponsored by Book of the Month . Use the code SARAHSBOOKSHELVES at checkout to get your first book for just $9.9...
May 20, 2020•42 min•Ep. 59
In Episode 58, Susie Boutry (@NovelVisits) and I share our favorite books that missed last year’s Summer Reading Guides, books set in cool travel destinations, and our #1 picks for the four categories featured in Sarah’s 2020 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!). Announcement Starting in June, the podcast will move to a bi-weekly airing schedule for the summer (just like last summer). Every...
May 13, 2020•59 min•Ep. 58
In Mini Episode 57, Liz Hein ( @lizhein89 ) and I talk about two old books we both love and a beloved campus novel Liz didn’t love. This post contains affiliate links, through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). Highlights The situation with distance learning at my kids’ school and Liz’s school where she’s an administrator. How coronavirus has impacted Liz’s reading…including pushing her to re-read The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo . Why we were perplex...
May 06, 2020•35 min•Ep. 57
In Episode 56, Holly Root (Literary Agent and Owner of Root Literary ) talks about the rise of the rom-com and publishing in the coronavirus era…plus, the story of selling Jasmine Guillory’s debut novel to publishers. This post contains affiliate links, through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). Announcement Starting in June, the podcast will move to a bi-weekly airing schedule for the summer (just like last summer). Every episode this summer will be a...
Apr 29, 2020•55 min•Ep. 56
In Mini Episode 55, Sarah Saba Cetra ( @bookedinadvance ) shares Middle Eastern books on her TBR list, books from a publisher we both love (Riverhead), and we both share how coronavirus is impacting our reading. This post contains affiliate links, through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). Highlights How coronavirus is impacting both of our reading. How Sarah barely read at all during law school and what (specific book and specific person) eventually g...
Apr 22, 2020•32 min•Ep. 55
In Episode 54, Sarah Pekkanen and Greer Hendricks (authors of You Are Not Alone ) go behind-the-scenes of their writing process, how they decided to write psychological thrillers, and share where their next novel is set (it’s not in New York City!). This post contains affiliate links, through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). Highlights The themes Sarah & Greer try to base every book around. The Sarah & Greer co-writing team origin story. How Sarah’s ...
Apr 15, 2020•54 min•Ep. 54
Welcome to the Spring 2020 Book Preview with Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books ! Catherine and I share our most anticipated books coming out in April and May 2020. This post contains affiliate links, through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). Supporting Local Bookstores Libro.fm (affiliate link for audiobooks) Order online from your local bookstore (Sarah: The Bookshelf, Thomasville , Catherine: Powell’s ) Bookshop.org (25% of profits go to a pool of...
Apr 01, 2020•57 min•Ep. 53
In Mini Episode 52, Sarah Verity Collica ( @seize_the_page ) and I talk about a couple books we have differing opinions about…plus, She Said vs. Catch and Kill . This post contains affiliate links, through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). 2020 Podcast Survey I’d love it if you could take a couple minutes to complete the 2020 Podcast Survey . I’d love to hear your feedback about what’s working, what’s not working, and the direction you’d like to see t...
Mar 25, 2020•33 min•Ep. 52
In Episode 51, Steph Hockersmith ( @pieladybooks ), fresh off her appearance on Good Morning America , shares all the behind-the-scenes details of her book-themed pies, including her favorite dessert (it’s not pie!) and her goals for expanding Pie Lady Books. This post contains affiliate links, through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). Sponsor This episode is sponsored by Book of the Month . Use the code SARAHSBOOKSHELVES at checkout to get your first...
Mar 18, 2020•53 min•Ep. 51
In Mini Episode 50, Julia Spence (@gameofreading) talks about her love for dual timelines in her books and reading an author’s backlist. This post contains affiliate links, through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). Highlights Julia talks about how, when she reads a book she loves by a new-to-her author, she loves to read all of that author’s backlist. Julia shares her recent love of books with dual timelines. Julia’s Book Recommendations Two OLD Books...
Mar 11, 2020•26 min•Ep. 50
In Episode 49, Zibby Owens (Host of the Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books Podcast ) talks about what it’s like to interview authors and shares some of her favorite memoirs. This post contains affiliate links (plus: here’s your Amazon Smile-specific affiliate link ), through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). Sponsor This episode is sponsored by Book of the Month . Use the code SARAHSBOOKSHELVES at checkout to get your first book for just $9.99! Highli...
Mar 04, 2020•39 min•Ep. 49
In Mini Episode 48, Genevieve Trono ( @genthebookworm ) talks mood reading and shares her thoughts about Brit Bennett’s new book (which she’s already read)! Sponsor This episode is sponsored by Book of the Month . Use the code SARAHSBOOKSHELVES at checkout to get your first book for just $9.99! This month, I chose You Are Not Alone , The Holdout , and Anna K . Check out my commentary on all the February picks to help choose the right book for your reading taste. Highlights Mood reading and how G...
Feb 26, 2020•34 min•Ep. 48
In Episode 47, Caroline Zancan (author of We Wish You Luck ) discuss her time getting her MFA at the Bennington Writing Seminars, how her job as an editor at Henry Holt impacted her as an author, and the allure of campus novels. This post contains affiliate links (plus: here’s your Amazon Smile-specific affiliate link ), through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). Sponsor This episode is sponsored by Book of the Month . Use the code SARAHSBOOKSHELVES at...
Feb 19, 2020•54 min•Ep. 47
In Mini Episode 46, Aubree Cheadle ( @mnreadingmama ) shares her love for heart-breaking, but hopeful books and we talk about overdone literary comparisons. This post contains affiliate links, through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). Sponsor This episode is sponsored by Book of the Month . Use the code SARAHSBOOKSHELVES at checkout to get your first book for just $9.99! This month, I chose You Are Not Alone , The Holdout , and Anna K . Check out my c...
Feb 12, 2020•32 min•Ep. 46
