Episodes

  • Winter 2026 Circle Back with Catherine Gilmore | Ep. 220

    Winter 2026 Circle Back with Catherine Gilmore | Ep. 220
    Mar 25 2026
    In Episode 220, Sarah and Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books catch up on the 16 new releases they shared in the Winter 2026 Book Preview, now that they've read them — or at least tried to! They share their reading stats and discuss which books worked and which didn't…and why. This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog. Announcement One of the many benefits to supporting the podcast through either our Patreon Community or our Substack Community (both for just $7/mo) is that you get access to several bonus podcast episode series, including Book Preview Extras! In these episodes, Catherine and Sarah share at least 4 bonus books we are excited about that we did not share in the big show preview episode. Get more details about all the goodies available and sign up here for Patreon and here for Substack! Highlights Catherine had a high success rate, but a pretty "meh" overall feel Sarah's reading followed a familiar barbell pattern: some standout hits, several DNFs, and not much in betweenCatherine's ratings mostly landed as mid-range reads — with two 4.5 star wins.Sarah had one 5-star read (and a new favorite of the year), two 4.5-star reads, and one big disappointmentSome of Sarah's risk-taking paid off, while other picks didn't landThey share their best and worst picks from winter Books Read Before the Preview [6:08] Sarah's Pick Whidbey by T Kira Madden (March 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [6:13] Winter 2026 Book Preview [8:20] January Catherine's Picks Skylark by Paula McLain (January 6) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [12:49]Vigil by George Saunders (January 27) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:43] Other Books Mentioned When the Stars Go Dark by Paula McLain (2021) [14:53] Love and Ruin by Paula McLain (2018) [15:21] February Sarah's Picks Good People by Patmeena Sabit (February 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [8:25]Royal Spin by Omid Scobie and Robin Benway (February 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [15:49]Kin by Tayari Jones (February 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:15] Catherine's Picks More Than Enough by Anna Quindlen (February 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:40]Saoirse by Charleen Hurtubise (February 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:47] Other Books Mentioned The Force of Such Beauty by Barbara Bourland (2022) [17:32] A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles (2016) [26:04] An American Marriage by Tayari Jones (2018) [26:58]Silver Sparrow by Tayari Jones (2011) [26:59] March Sarah's Picks No One's Coming by Kevin Hazzard (March 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:51] All the World Can Hold by Jung Yun (March 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[38:23]She Fell Away by Lenore Nash (March 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:23] The Complex by Karan Mahajan (March 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:07] Catherine's Picks Ruins by Lily Brooks-Dalton (March 31) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:34] No Friend to This House by Natalie Haynes (US Release March 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:07]Son of Nobody by Yann Martel (March 31) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:17] How to Be Okay When Nothing Is Okay by Jenny Lawson (March 31) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:08] Other Books Mentioned The Only Plane in the Sky by Garrett M. Graff (2019) [32:10] Shelter by Jung Yun (2016) [38:26] Red Widow by Alma Katsu (2021) [44:17] Red London by Alma Katsu (2023) [44:18] From the Top of the Episode Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy (2025) [1:10]
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    55 mins
  • T Kira Madden (Author of Whidbey) | Ep. 219

    T Kira Madden (Author of Whidbey) | Ep. 219
    Mar 18 2026
    In Episode 219, Sarah talks with author T Kira Madden about her debut novel, Whidbey. A dark, atmospheric story that explores the long reach of violence and the lack of recourse many victims face, Whidbey tackles difficult themes including sexual abuse, stalking, and the ways narratives around these crimes are shaped by media and public perception. Sarah and T Kira discuss the inspiration behind the novel, its complex characters, and the themes at the heart of the story. Plus, she shares a bit about what she's working on next and some terrific 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 T Kira Madden: Whidbey and Long Live the Tribe of Fatherless GirlsA brief, spoiler-free overview of WhidbeyThe inspiration behind the novelRevisiting the impact of sexual assault through fictionWhat the character of Mary-Beth brings to the storyThe ways the novel explores justice, accountability, and the limited options available to victimsHow the reality show storyline reflects the power of media to shape public narrativesWhat T Kira is working on next T Kira's Book Recommendations [36:42] Two OLD Books She Loves Reading the Waves by Lidia Yuknavitch (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[36:56]Scorched Earth by Tiana Clark (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:43] Other Books Mentioned The Chronology of Water by Lidia Yuknavitch (2011) [37:15] Two NEW Books She Loves Extinction Capital of the World by Mariah Rigg (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:38]Bloodfire, Baby by Eirinie Carson (2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:28] One Book She DIDN'T Love We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver (2003) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[41:58] One NEW RELEASE She's Excited About Lovers XXX by Allie Rowbottom (June 4, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[45:22]Other Books Mentioned Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe (2024) [46:43] The Hop by Diana Clarke (2022) [47:09] Books From the Discussion There There by Tommy Orange (2018) [36:32] Other Links Guernica | The Feels of Love by T Kira Madden (December 12, 2016)
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    50 mins
  • Reading Through the Enneagram with Sarajane Case (Author of The Honest Enneagram) | Ep. 218

    Reading Through the Enneagram with Sarajane Case (Author of The Honest Enneagram) | Ep. 218
    Mar 6 2026
    In Episode 218, Sarah chats with Enneagram author, speaker, and podcaster Sarajane Case about Reading Through the Enneagram. After a brief introduction to the Enneagram and how it differs from other personality systems, they dive into how Enneagram types show up in our reading lives — from guessing an author's type to rethinking our own habits as readers. Sarajane walks through the nine types, shares a book recommendation for each, and offers her own personal picks. 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 Sarajane Case: The Honest Enneagram and The Enneagram LettersA brief introduction to the Enneagram — and how it differs from other personality systemsSarajane's personal approach to working with the EnneagramA quick overview of the nine Enneagram typesHow each Enneagram type might approach readingWhether (and how) we can discern an author's Enneagram type through their work (and the Enneagram types most and least likely to be authors themselves)Practical tips for using your type to improve your reading life Reading Through the Enneagram [29:51] Type 1: The Secret Lives of Church Ladies by Deesha Philyaw (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:08]Type 2: The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath (1963) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:50] Type 3: In Five Years by Rebecca Serle (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:27]Type 4: Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:42] Type 5: Fourth Wing (Empyrean, 1) by Rebecca Yarros (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:56] Type 6: The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:32] Type 7: People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:56] Type 8: Crook Manifesto (The Harlem Trilogy, 2) by Colson Whitehead (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:20] Type 9: Severance by Ling Ma (2018) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:16] Other Books Mentioned The Fellowship of the Ring (The Lord of the Rings, 1) by J. R. R. Tolkien (1954) [32:08] Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë (1847) [33:49] The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez (2019) [34:57] Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus (2022) [35:23] Sarajane's Book Recommendations [36:37] Two OLD Books She Loves The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath (1963) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:50] Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë (1847) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:08] Two NEW Books She Loves Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:09] A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:14] Other Books Mentioned Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2019) [42:05] The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2017) [42:16] Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2021) [42:28] Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2022) [42:37] The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna (2022) [43:28] One Book She DIDN'T Love Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami (1987) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:14] Other Books Mentioned South of the Border, West of the Sun by Haruki Murakami (1992) [44:20] 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami (2009) [44:49] One NEW RELEASE She's Excited About Theodora's Tea Shop by Christy Anne Jones (July 28, 2026 — no US release date set yet) | Link to Blackwell's for US Orders [45:52] Other Links Truity | Enneagram Personality Test
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    50 mins
  • Christine Kuehn (Author of Family of Spies) | Ep. 217

    Christine Kuehn (Author of Family of Spies) | Ep. 217
    Feb 18 2026
    In Episode 217, Sarah chats with author Christine Kuehn about her memoir, Family of Spies, and the thirty-year journey that led her to uncover a long-buried family secret. Christine shares how the story first entered her life, the decades-long research process behind reconstructing her father's past, and what it meant to weave her own discovery into the historical narrative surrounding her family's role in the Pearl Harbor attack. She also offers a glimpse of what she's working on next and shares some of her favorite 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 the shape of the book's narrative sets it apart from other WWII storiesHow this story entered Christine's life — and the moment everything changedHer decision to publicly share this dark chapter of her family's historyThe decades-long research process behind uncovering her father's pastWhy integrating her own discovery story was essential to telling her family's role in the Pearl Harbor attackA glimpse at what she's working on next Christine's Book Recommendations [31:29] Two OLD Books She Loves The Women by Kristin Hannah (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:43]Agent Sonya by Ben Macintyre (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:45] Other Books Mentioned The Spy and the Traitor by Ben Macintyre (2018) [34:45] The Siege by Ben Macintyre (2024) [34:47] Two NEW Books She Loves Best Offer Wins by Marisa Kashino (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:57]The Lost Kitchen, Vol 2: Big Heart Little Stove by Erin French (2025) | Amazon| Bookshop.org [37:35]Other Books Mentioned Finding Freedom by Erin French (2021) [38:46] One Book She DIDN'T Love Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[39:48] One NEW RELEASE She's Excited About Whistler by Ann Patchett (June 2, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:33]Other Books Mentioned Tom Lake by Ann Patchett (2023) [42:06] Books From the Discussion At Dawn We Slept by Gordon W. Prange (1981) [5:47] Other Links Instagram | Sarah's Bookshelves, Family of Spies Review
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    45 mins
  • Best of Horror with Meredith Monday Schwartz (Currently Reading) | Ep. 216

    Best of Horror with Meredith Monday Schwartz (Currently Reading) | Ep. 216
    Feb 4 2026
    Episode 216 continues the Best of… series with a deep dive into the horror genre. Meredith Monday Schwartz of the Currently Reading podcast joins the show to discuss her all-time Top Ten favorite horror books, along with a few buzzy titles that didn't quite work for her. Meredith also talks about how she came to the genre and the wide range of reading experiences horror has to offer. 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 Meredith defines the horror genre — and where she draws the linesSubgenres of horror that don't get talked about as muchMeredith's personal relationship with reading horrorWhat draws her to the genre and how she approaches her horror TBRThe role of women in horror, both as authors and within its themes Meredith's All-Time Top Ten Horror: Ranked [18:47] 10) Daphne by Josh Malerman (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:33]9) How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:10]8) The Ruins by Scott Smith (2006) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:42]7) Near the Bone by Christina Henry (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:02]6) Diavola by Jennifer Thorne (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:19]5) We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:44]4) Slewfoot by Brom (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:01]3) The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:40]2) The Stand by Stephen King (1978) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:46]1) I'm Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reid (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:50] High-Profile Horror She Didn't Love [49:39] The September House by Carissa Orlando (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:03]The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:55]Incidents Around the House by Josh Malerman (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:34] Other Books Mentioned The Amityville Horror by Jay Anson (1977) [9:57]101 Horror Books to Read Before You're Murdered by Sadie Hartmann (2023) [13:25] Feral and Hysterical by Sadie Hartmann (2025) [13:37] Sandwich by Catherine Newman (2024) [22:47] The Autumn Springs Retirement Home Massacre by Philip Fracassi (2025) [28:33] Psycho by Robert Bloch (1959) [31:01] The Caretaker by Marcus Kliewer (April 21, 2026) [33:29] Krampus by Brom (2012) [36:42] The Haunting of Maddy Clare by Simone St. James (2012) [39:07] The Book of Cold Cases by Simone St. James (2022) [39:23] 11/22/63 by Stephen King (2011) [43:13] Foe by Iain Reid (2018) [49:00] Bird Box by Josh Malerman (2014) [52:39] Other Links Sadie Hartmann (@Mother.Horror) on Instagram Talking Scared with Neil McRobert Slow Read: The Stand with Sarah Stewart Holland & Laura Tremaine
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    55 mins
  • The Best Backlist We Read in 2025 with Catherine Gilmore | Ep. 215

    The Best Backlist We Read in 2025 with Catherine Gilmore | Ep. 215
    Jan 21 2026
    In Episode 215, Sarah and Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books share the best backlist books they read in 2025. They discuss their top 5 backlist books from last year, highlight some underrated backlist gems, and review their backlist reading statistics. Devoting an entire episode to backlist reading is both a team and listener favorite annual tradition! 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 The Best of the Backlist Guide: Favorite Backlist Books Read in 2025 is available now! Members of the Sarah's Bookshelves Live community share the best backlist book they read last year in a beautiful PDF guide. To get the guide, you can sign up to join us on Patreon here. or Substack here. You'll also get access to monthly bonus podcast episodes and the new-for-2026 Rock Your Reading Tracker and the Lite Reading Tracker. Highlights Sarah and Catherine share their full stats for backlist reading in 2025.Backlist reading quantity was stable last year for Sarah, but backlist reading quality dipped a bit.Catherine had a slight increase in the number of backlist books she read, AND her backlist reading remained incredibly successful.Sarah's backlist reading may change just a bit looking ahead to 2026. Our Top 5 Backlist Books We Read in 2025 [10:44] Catherine The No-Show by Beth O'Leary (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:50] Georgia by Dawn Tripp (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:44] The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows (2008) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [23:48] Don't You Forget About Me by Mhairi McFarlane (2019) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:57] The Death of Bees by Lisa O'Donnell (2013) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:21] Sarah The Force of Such Beauty by Barbara Bourland (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:37] The Queen's Gambit by Walter Tevis (1983) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:58] We Burn Daylight by Bret Anthony Johnston (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:42] Family Happiness by Laurie Colwin (1982) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:30] Twenty Years Later by Charlie Donlea (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:37] Other Books Mentioned The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary (2019) [13:19] The Many Lives of Mama Love by Lara Love Hardin (2023) [20:28] Smacked by Eilene Zimmerman (2020) [20:31] Nowhere Girl by Cheryl Diamond (2021) [20:33] Heated Rivalry (Game Changers, 2) by Rachel Reid (2023) [33:50] Happy All the Time by Laurie Colwin (1978) [37:58] Guess Again by Charlie Donlea (2025) [40:54] Underrated Backlist Gems [43:34] Catherine Miss Jane by Brad Watson (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:46] Your Heart Is a Muscle the Size of a Fist by Sunil Yapa (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:40] Sarah Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:28] Euphoria by Lily King (2014) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [51:04] Other Books Mentioned Talking at Night by Claire Davelery (2023) [48:25] Slanting Towards the Sea by Lidija Hilje (2025) [51:20] Heart the Lover by Lily King (2025) [51:38]
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    55 mins
  • Winter 2026 Book Preview with Catherine Gilmore | Ep. 214

    Winter 2026 Book Preview with Catherine Gilmore | Ep. 214
    Jan 7 2026
    Welcome to the Winter 2026 Book Preview with Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books! Today, Catherine and Sarah share 16 of their most anticipated books releasing from January through March. 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 The 2026 Reading Tracker is out! This year brings upgraded features across the board — including NEW average star rating and 5-star book tracking for every stat on the Dashboard — plus an updated Lite Tracker for those who prefer a streamlined version. Both Trackers are ONLY available to paid Patreon or Substack subscribers ($7/month) and is no longer sold separately. To avoid Apple's 30% fee, be sure to join directly from the Patreon website (mobile or desktop). Join our Patreon Community (here) OR become a Substack Paid Member (here)! One of the many benefits to supporting the podcast through either our Patreon Community or our Substack Community (both for just $7/mo) is that you get access to several bonus podcast episode series, including Book Preview Extras! In these episodes, Catherine and Sarah share at least 4 bonus books we are excited about that we did not share in the big show preview episode. Get more details about all the goodies available and sign up here for Patreon and here for Substack! Highlights A lightning round of some big releases coming this winter that we're not featuring in today's preview.Catherine chose books by authors she knows and trusts.This year, Sarah dug deep into the publisher's catalog for potential hidden gems.Sarah's books cover literary suspense, literary fiction, brain candy, nonfiction, and a thriller from 2 debut authors and 3 repeat authors.Sarah has already read one of her picks — and it was 4.5 stars!Plus, their #1 picks for winter. Big Winter Releases The First Time I Saw Him by Laura Dave (January 6) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [2:39]The Future Saints by Ashley Winstead (January 20) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [2:43]My Husband's Wife by Alice Feeney (January 20) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [2:46]Once and Again by Rebecca Serle (March 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [2:49]Crux by Gabriel Tallent (January 20) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [2:53]Lake Effect by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney (March 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [2:56]Two Kinds of Stranger by Steve Cavanagh (March 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:00]Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser (March 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:03]Daughter of Egypt by Marie Benedict (March 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:21] Missing Sam by Thrity Umrigar (January 27) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:24] This Is Not About Us by Allegra Goodman (February 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:28] Half His Age by Jennette McCurdy (January 20) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:31] Other Books Mentioned I'm Glad My Mother Died by Jennette McCurdy (2022) [3:35] Winter 2026 Book Preview [6:57] January Catherine's Picks Skylark by Paula McLain (January 6) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:53]Vigil by George Saunders (January 27) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [16:48] Other Books Mentioned Circling the Sun by Paula McLain (2015) [11:04]When the Stars Go Dark by Paula McLain (2021) [13:12] Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders (2017) [17:39] February Sarah's Picks Good People by Patmeena Sabit (February 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [7:59]Royal Spin by Omid Scobie and Robin Benway (February 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:14]Kin by Tayari Jones (February 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:01] Catherine's Picks Saoirse by Charleen Hurtubise (February 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:19]More Than Enough by Anna Quindlen (February 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [28:05] Other Books Mentioned Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng (2014) [9:37] Happiness Falls by Angie Kim (2023) [9:40] Real Americans by Rachel Khong (2024) [9:42] The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini (2003) [9:50] Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston (2019) [14:04] Finding Freedom by Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand (2020) [14:53] Endgame by Omid Scobie (2023) [14:57] Long Live the Tribe of Fatherless Girls by T Kira Madden (2019) [19:20] An American Marriage by Tayari Jones (2018) [24:11]Silver Sparrow by Tayari Jones (2011) [24:13] Leaving Atlanta by Tayari Jones (2002) [26:48] Alternate Side by Anna Quindlen (2018) [29:43] After Annie by Anna Quindlen (2024) [29:51] March Sarah's Picks No One's Coming by Kevin Hazzard (March 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:07] Whidbey by T Kira Madden (March 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:50]All the World Can Hold by Jung Yun (March 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[35:31]She Fell Away by Lenore Nash (March 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:01] The Complex by Karan Mahajan (March 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:35] Catherine's Picks Ruins by Lily Brooks-Dalton (March 31) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:02] No Friend to This House by Natalie Haynes (...
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    54 mins
  • Best Books of 2025 Genre Awards with Chrissie (@ChrissieWhitley) | Ep. 213

    Best Books of 2025 Genre Awards with Chrissie (@ChrissieWhitley) | Ep. 213
    Dec 10 2025
    In Episode 213, Sarah and Chrissie (@ChrissieWhitley) wrap up the year with the Best Books of 2025 Genre Awards. They reveal their Overall Best Books (Fiction and Nonfiction) and a full breakdown by genre, including: Best Literary Fiction, Best Romance, Best Brain Candy, Best Genre Mash-Up, and more! Plus, they share the winners for these same genres as chosen by the Sarah's Bookshelves Live Member Community. 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 The 2026 Reading Tracker is out! This year brings upgraded features across the board — including NEW average star rating and 5-star book tracking for every stat on the Dashboard — plus an updated Lite Tracker for those who prefer a streamlined version. Both Trackers are ONLY available to paid Patreon or Substack subscribers ($7/month) and is no longer sold separately. To avoid Apple's 30% fee, be sure to join directly from the Patreon website (mobile or desktop). Join our Patreon Community (here) OR become a Substack Paid Member (here)! Highlights Podcast reflections from 2025 — including top episodes based on download stats.A brief overview of Sarah's and Chrissie's 2025 year in reading.Their favorite books of the year: overall and by genre, including the SBL Member Community's picks. 2025 Genre Awards [12:39] Sarah The River Is Waiting by Wally Lamb (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [12:45] The Favorites by Layne Fargo (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [16:32] The Death of Us by Abigail Dean (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:13] One Good Thing by Georgia Hunter (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [23:48] The Compound by Aisling Rawle (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [28:47] August Lane by Regina Black (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:03] The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:54] Family of Spies by Christine Kuehn (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:36]This American Woman by Zarna Garg (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:00]Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:59]The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [54:44] Finding Grace by Loretta Rothschild (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [56:29]Next of Kin by Gabrielle Hamilton (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:00:10] The Elements by John Boyne (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:03:10] Chrissie Fox by Joyce Carol Oates (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:42] Joy Moody Is Out of Time by Kerryn Mayne (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:36] Marble Hall Murders (Susan Ryeland, 3) by Anthony Horowitz (2025) | Amazon| Bookshop.org [21:39] The Pretender by Jo Harkin (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [25:51] What We Can Know by Ian McEwan (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:28] To Clutch a Razor (Curse Bearer, 2) by Veronica Roth (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:39] The Love Haters by Katherine Center (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:03] These Heathens by Mia McKenzie (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:31] The Zorg by Siddarth Kara (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:11] Misbehaving at the Crossroads by Honorée Fanonne Jeffers (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [51:09]A Sea of Unspoken Things by Adrienne Young (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [53:38] Awake in the Floating City by Susanna Kwan (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[55:11]Heartwood by Amity Gaige (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [57:16] Future Boy by Michael J. Fox (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:01:23] Reports of His Death Have Been Greatly Exaggerated by James Goodhand (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:06:07] SBL Member Community The Correspondent by Virginia Evans (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [15:43]The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:02]Heartwood by Amity Gaige (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:52] Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:21]The Compound by Aisling Rawle (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:28] The River Has Roots by Amal El-Mohtar (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:23] One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:39]Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:57]Big Dumb Eyes by Nate Bargatze (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:15]Hot Air by Marcy Dermansky (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:17]Jane and Dan at the End of the World by Colleen Oakley (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:19]The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:22]Run for the Hills by Kevin Wilson (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:24]So Far Gone by Jess Walter (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:27]This American Woman by Zarna Garg (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:28]Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:20]Ordinary Time by Annie ...
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    1 hr and 10 mins