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In Episode 162, Leigh Stein (author and journalist) joins me to jump into the world of BookTok, the bookish corner of TikTok. We talk about what early elements started this sensation, how creators and their content are different on this platform, and the main audience engaging with the app’s evolving algorithm. We also discuss the continuing gap in marketing and authentic social media content, and how we think publishers could address this issue. (Did we solve it?!) Plus, Leigh shares some 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. Highlights Leigh kicks off our discussion by defining BookTok and tracing its rapid rise to phenomenon status. We talk about BookTok’s current and future trajectory. Leigh brings in some sales stats for the top BookTok authors. We talk about the way younger and younger readers are being drawn to the bookshelves. The appeal of BookTok versus Bookstagram as recommendation media versus social media. The percentage of Gen Z and Millennials that find their next book on BookTok. Addressing the bigger criticisms of TikTok. How the type of content on BookTok differs from the type of content on Bookstagram. The genres that perform the best on BookTok. We talk about the profound impact of BookTok on the publishing industry and how it’s reshaping traditional media coverage. The marketing risk of trying to find the balance between authenticity and effective promotion on BookTok. Leigh shares some awesome tips for authors trying to engage with the BookTok community. Leigh’s Book Recommendations [39:59] Two OLD Books She Loves Verity by Colleen Hoover | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:19] Vladimir by Julia May Jonas | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [41:51] Other Books Mentioned It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover [40:36] Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov [42:33] Two NEW Books She Loves Y / N by Esther Yi | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:59] Big Swiss by Jen Beagin | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:10] One Book She DIDN’T Love Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:41] One NEW RELEASE She’s Excited About Victim by Andrew Boryga (March 12, 2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:54] Other Books Mentioned Yellowface by R. F. Kuang [50:09] Self Care by Leigh Stein [50:45] Last 5-Star Book Leigh Read Birnam Wood by Eleanor Catton | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:10] Other Books Mentioned The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller [4:49] The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 1) by Rick Riordan [5:02] Lapvona by Ottessa Moshfegh [21:54] Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin [23:26] Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner [23:36] Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry [23:54] A Certain Hunger by Chelsea G. Summers [24:50] City on Fire by Don Winslow [29:14] Diary of a Void by Emi Yagi [30:55] Emotional Labor by Rose Hackman [37:57] My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh [38:39] Other Links LitHub | BookTok is Good, Actually: On the Undersung Joys of a Vast and Multifarious Platform by Leigh Stein YouTube | Simon & Schuster: How 2022’s Hottest Cover Was Created About Leigh Stein Website | Instagram | Substack | TikTok  Leigh Stein is a writer interested in what the internet is doing to our identities, relationships, and politics. She is the author of five books, including the critically acclaimed satirical novel Self Care and the poetry collection What to Miss When. Her nonfiction writing has appeared in the New York Times, the Washington Post, the New Yorker online, and more. She was co-founder and executive director of Out of the Binders/BinderCon, a feminist literary nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the careers of women and gender variant writers.

In Episode 161, author Amanda Peters joins me to discuss her surprise hit novel, The Berry Pickers. This debut novel (which was the 2023 Barnes & Noble Discover Pick) seamlessly blends sadness and heartwarming moments.  In our chat, Amanda shares what (or who) started her on this journey, the road to publication, and what she hopes readers take away from her first novel.  Plus, Amanda shares some 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. Highlights A brief, spoiler-free overview of The Berry Pickers. How Amanda’s family history shaped the story. Amanda’s journey from book concept to securing an agent and getting published. Recognition as a Barnes & Noble Discover Pick for both November and 2023 overall. How Amanda’s life has changed in the wake of the book’s runaway success. What it’s like to be an introverted author on tour. Amanda’s decision to focus on character journeys rather than presenting the book as a typical mystery. Examining the topic of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls. The recurring theme of the unconscious mind’s ability to remember trauma. The role of self-forgiveness and how difficult that can be. A glimpse into what’s next for Amanda, including a collection of short stories and a new manuscript. Amanda’s Book Recommendations [25:28] Two OLD Books She Loves A Burning by Megha Majumdar | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:12] The Underpainter by Jane Urquhart  | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [26:55] Two NEW Books She Loves Truth Telling by Michelle Good | Amazon | Bookshop.org [28:28] We Rip the World Apart by Charlene Carr (expected US release October 8, 2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:24] Other Books Mentioned: Five Little Indians by Michelle Good [42:08] Hold My Girl by Charlene Carr [30:42] One NEW RELEASE She’s Excited About Fire Exit by Morgan Talty (June 4, 2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:29] Other Books Mentioned: Night of the Living Rez by Morgan Talty [32:40] Last 5-Star Book Amanda Read Brown Girls by Daphne Palasi Andreades | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:32] Other Books Mentioned A Burning by Megha Majumdar [5:16] Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah [10:06] The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk M.D. [21:19] Waiting for the Long Night Moon: Stories by Amanda Peters (expected publication August 13, 2024) [24:11] About Amanda Peters Website | Instagram  Amanda Peters is a writer of Mi’kmaq and settler ancestry. Her debut novel, The Berry Pickers is the Winner of the Andrew Carnegie Medal of Excellence in Fiction, the 2023 Barnes & Noble Discovery Prize Winner, and was shortlisted for the Barnes & Noble Book of the Year and the Atwood Gibson Fiction Award from the Writers Trust of Canada. Her work has also appeared in the Antigonish Review, Grain Magazine, the Alaska Quarterly Review, the Dalhousie Review and Filling Station Magazine. She is the winner of the 2021 Indigenous Voices Award for Unpublished Prose and a participant in the 2021 Writers’ Trust Rising Stars program. Amanda is a graduate of the Master of Fine Arts Program at the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and has a Certificate in Creative Writing from the University of Toronto.

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

Welcome to the Winter 2024 Book Preview with Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books!   In this episode, Catherine and I share 16 of our most anticipated books releasing 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 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 While Sarah and Catherine had some trouble with fall, winter is overflowing with potential winners. Sarah brings 2 sports fiction titles. Both Catherine and Sarah explore a mix of familiar authors and exciting debuts. It’s time for another mythology retelling for Catherine! Sarah shares a 5-star book she’s already read and loved. Sarah’s wildcard pick might be a little out there — and hopefully, it pays off. Plus, don’t miss their #1 picks for winter. Winter 2024 Book Preview [3:32] January Sarah’s Picks Mercury by Amy Jo Burns (January 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:47] River East, River West by Aube Rey Lescure (January 9) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:24] Everyone on This Train Is a Suspect by Benjamin Stevenson (January 30) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [16:38] Catherine’s Picks The Fury by Alex Michaelides (January 16) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [7:39] Family Family by Laurie Frankel (January 23) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:15] Other Books Mentioned Shiner by Amy Jo Burns [3:57] The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides [7:59] The Maidens by Alex Michaelides [8:05] The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald [9:30] This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel [14:21] Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson [16:53] And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie [17:21] Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie [17:27] February Sarah’s Picks Dixon, Descending by Karen Outen (February 6) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[23:08]  Leaving by Roxana Robinson  (February 13) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [28:35] The Fortune Seller by Rachel Kapelke-Dale (February 13) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:56] Catherine’s Picks The Things We Didn’t Know by Elba Iris Pérez (February 6) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:40]  Medea by Eilish Quin (February 13) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [25:57] Whiskey Tender by Deborah Jackson Taffa (February 27) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [31:04]  Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange (February 27) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [39:37] After Annie by Anna Quindlen (February 27*) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [46:45] Other Books Mentioned Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer [24:05] Breathless by Amy McCulloch [24:13] Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes [26:30] The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller [30:21] Fleishman Is in Trouble by Taffy Brodesser-Akner [30:45] The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo [30:49] The Many Lives of Mama Love by Lara Love Hardin [31:25] The Ballerinas by Rachel Kapelke-Dale [34:17] The Ingenue by Rachel Kapelke-Dale [34:20] Girls and Their Horses by Eliza Jane Brazier [39:08] There There by Tommy Orange [39:44] Alternate Side by Anna Quindlen [48:37] March Sarah’s Picks Say Hello to My Little Friend by Jennine Capó Crucet  (March 5) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:21] Headshot by Rita Bullwinkel (March 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [49:03] Catherine’s Pick James by Percival Everett (March 19) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [51:15] Other Books Mentioned Moby-Dick; or, The Whale by Herman Melville [44:37] My Time Among the Whites by Jennine Capó Crucet [45:03] Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain [51:35] The Trees by Percival Everett [52:40] Oth

In Episode 158, we wrap up the year with our Best Books of 2023 Genre Awards with Susie (@NovelVisits). We reveal our Overall Best Books (Fiction and Nonfiction), and we have a full breakdown by genre, including: Best Literary Fiction, Best Romance, Best Brain Candy, Best Genre Mash-Up, and more! Plus, we’re sharing the winners for these same genres as chosen by the Sarah’s Bookshelves Live Patreon 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 My 2024 Reading Tracker is out! Once again, the Tracker is ONLY available to $7/month Superstars patrons (i.e., no longer available as a separate purchase for $14.99 here on my website). Become a Superstars Patron here! Highlights Podcast reflections from 2023 — including top episodes based on download stats. Overview of Susie’s and Sarah’s 2023 year in reading — including trends and stats. Favorite books of the year: overall and by genre, including the SBL Patreon Community’s picks. 2023 Genre Awards [19:14] Susie The Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groff | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:19] Tom Lake by Ann Patchett | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:41] No Two Persons by Erica Bauermeister | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:00] The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:22] In Memoriam by Alice Winn | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:16] The Art Thief by Michael Finkel | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:24] You Could Make This Place Beautiful by Maggie Smith | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:32] The Half Moon by Mary Beth Keane | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:02] The Memory of Animals by Claire Fuller | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:39] Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes | Amazon | Bookshop.org [54:59] Go As a River by Shelley Read | Amazon | Bookshop.org [57:30] Shark Heart by Emily Habeck | Amazon | Bookshop.org [59:58]   Sarah Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:51] Adelaide by Genevieve Wheeler | Amazon | Bookshop.org [25:27] Spare by Prince Harry | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:00] All That Is Mine I Carry With Me by William Landay | Amazon | Bookshop.org[34:08] Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:06] Generations by Jean M. Twenge PhD | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:04] The Many Lives of Mama Love by Lara Love Hardin | Amazon | Bookshop.org[45:43] Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:21] My Murder by Katie Williams | Amazon | Bookshop.org [51:53] Yellowface by R. F. Kuang | Amazon | Bookshop.org [56:05] Happiness Falls by Angie Kim | Amazon | Bookshop.org [58:30] Talking at Night by Claire Daverley | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:00:38] Patrons Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano | Amazon | Bookshop.org [21:45] Tom Lake by Ann Patchett | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:00] Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:14] All That Is Mine I Carry With Me by William Landay | Amazon | Bookshop.org[35:58] All the Sinners Bleed by S. A. Cosby | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:29] In Memoriam by Alice Winn | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:41] We Were Once a Family by Roxanna Asgarian | Amazon | Bookshop.org[44:09] The Many Lives of Mama Love by Lara Love Hardin | Amazon | Bookshop.org[46:13] Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:50] Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah | Amazon | Bookshop.org[52:49] Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros | Amazon | Bookshop.org [53:45] Starling House by Alix E. Harrow | Amazon | Bookshop.org [54:30] Congratulations, the Best Is Over! by R. Eric Thomas | Amazon | Bookshop.org[57:18] I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai | Amazon | Bookshop.org[58:59] Shark Heart by Emily Habeck | Amazon | Bookshop.org [59:02] Warrior Girl Unearthed by Angeline Boulley | Amazon | Bookshop.org [59:31] Other Books Mentioned Reef Road by Deborah Goodrich Royce [4:19] Atomic Family

We’re gearing up to close out our year of reading with today’s podcast episode, featuring the Best Books of 2023 Superlatives with Susie (@NovelVisits). Our wrap-up is split into two episodes: today’s Superlatives and next week’s Genre Awards. Today, we’re diving into more than 25 Superlative categories, including Most Deserving of the Hype, Biggest Surprise, the Darkest Book of the Year, and many others! 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 2024 Reading Tracker is out! Once again, the Tracker will ONLY be available to $7/month Superstars patrons (i.e., no longer available as a separate purchase for $14.99 here on my website). Become a Superstars Patron here! Highlights Our best books of the year from over 25 categories, including: Most Deserving of the Hype FOMO-Worthy Book Third Time’s the Charm Darkest Book of the Year Top Underrated Gem Biggest Surprise The Book You Flew Through Most Polarizing Favorite Most Heartbreaking 2023 Superlatives [6:52] Susie Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano | Amazon | Bookshop.org [7:03] & [24:25] I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai | Amazon | Bookshop.org[11:37] Age of Vice by Deepti Kapoor | Amazon | Bookshop.org [16:07] Juno Loves Legs by Karl Geary | Amazon | Bookshop.org [21:17] Western Lane by Chetna Maroo | Amazon | Bookshop.org [25:14] The Future by Naomi Alderman | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:44] Pete and Alice in Maine by Caitlin Shetterly | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:46] The Road to Dalton by Shannon Bowring | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:31] Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah | Amazon | Bookshop.org[40:22] One Woman Show by Christine Coulson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:40] Small Mercies by Dennis Lehane | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:41] Rootless by Krystle Zara Appiah | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:20] The Postcard by Anne Berest | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:19] Happiness Falls by Angie Kim | Amazon | Bookshop.org [58:01] Wandering Souls by Cecile Pin | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:03:40] Sarah The Rachel Incident by Caroline O’Donoghue | Amazon | Bookshop.org [8:42] The Quiet Tenant by Clémence Michallon | Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:10] Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [15:03] All the Sinners Bleed by S. A. Cosby | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:43] Strange Sally Diamond by Liz Nugent | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:56] All That Is Mine I Carry With Me by William Landay | Amazon | Bookshop.org[26:55] Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll | Amazon | Bookshop.org [28:21] I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai | Amazon | Bookshop.org[32:26] I Could Live Here Forever by Hannah Halperin | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:53] How to Stay Married by Harrison Scott Key | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:44] Drowning by T. J. Newman | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:11] Shark Heart by Emily Habeck | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:09] Late Bloomers by Deepa Varadarajan | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:01] Good for a Girl by Lauren Fleshman | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:40] The Longest Race by Kara Goucher | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:56] Tom Lake by Ann Patchett | Amazon | Bookshop.org [54:53] Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:01:01] We Were Once a Family by Roxanna Asgarian | Amazon | Bookshop.org[1:05:08] Other Books Mentioned Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano [7:23] Blacktop Wasteland by S. A. Cosby [19:27] Razorblade Tears by S. A. Cosby [19:30] Unraveling Oliver by Liz Nugent [23:28] Talking at Night by Claire Daverley [24:30] Maame by Jessica George [24:32] The Power by Naomi Alderman [30:11] Wellness by Nathan Hill [31:30] Day by Michael Cunningham [31:32] Yellowface by R. F. Kuang [31:35] The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai [32:47] The Whispers by Ashley Audrain [37:03] The Push by

For our first annual 2023 State of the Industry episode, we’re welcoming back literary agent Sarah Landis for an overview and exploration of some hot topics in the book world this year.  Taking stock of how this year panned out for the publishing industry, Sarah discusses top news stories, dives deep into how specific titles performed this year, and shares current trends she’s seeing in publishing.  Also, Sarah shares her favorite books of 2023! 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. Coming Soon The updated 2024 Rock Your Reading Tracker will release on December 6! This year’s updated edition will be exclusively available to our $7/month Superstars Patrons and will not be offered for separate purchase as in previous years. Don’t miss out on this and other bookish goodies – become a Superstars Patron here! Highlights 2023 bookish news and publishing numbers overview. Sarah talks current popular genres, BookTok trends, and Simon & Schuster sale. A quick dive into IP books, their meaning, and a notable downside. The Elizabeth Gilbert book review bombing situation. BTS vs. Taylor Swift pre-order controversy. Playing Over/Under with this year’s top book performers. Do celebrity book clubs really boost sales? A look at the numbers. Publisher expectations and the influence of page count. Bookish trends of the year: BookTok’s impact on publishing. Examining shifts in publishing calendars. Anticipating 2024’s potential bookish trends. 2023 State of the Industry High-Level Overview [3:08] Spare by Prince Harry | Amazon | Bookshop.org [4:30] The Woman in Me by Britney Spears | Amazon | Bookshop.org [4:31] Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus | Amazon | Bookshop.org [4:58] Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros | Amazon | Bookshop.org [7:31] Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:08] Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin | Amazon | Bookshop.org [12:21] Fire & Blood by George R. R. Martin | Amazon | Bookshop.org [12:22] The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins | Amazon | Bookshop.org [12:48] Big Book Stories of 2023 [13:10] Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:21] Beyond the Story by BTS and Myeongseok Kang | Amazon | Bookshop.org[21:22] The Over / Under Game [25:17] Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah | Amazon | Bookshop.org[26:05] Yellowface by R. F. Kuang | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:41] Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:17] In Memoriam by Alice Winn | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:26] I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai | Amazon | Bookshop.org[32:11] The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:29] The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:39] Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:15] The Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groff | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:28] Let Us Descend by Jesmyn Ward | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:37] Tom Lake by Ann Patchett | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:11] The Dutch House by Ann Patchett | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:20] Wellness by Nathan Hill | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:30] Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:52] Happiness Falls by Angie Kim | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:14] Miracle Creek by Angie Kim | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:35] Shark Heart by Emily Habeck | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:50] Spare by Prince Harry | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:00] The Woman in Me by Britney Spears | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:01] Becoming by Michelle Obama | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:39] A Promised Land by Barack Obama | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:42] Bookish Trends of 2023 [44:26] Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:08] Educated by Tara Westover | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:23] The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins | Amazon | Bookshop.

In the Fall 2023 Book Preview, Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) and I shared our 12 most-anticipated books that released mid-August – December. Today we’re going to circle back to share updates on which of these books we’ve read, our thoughts on them, and a few we attempted but couldn’t quite get through. 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. Coming Soon The updated 2024 Rock Your Reading Tracker will release on December 6! This year’s updated edition will be exclusively available to our $7/month Superstars Patrons and will not be offered for separate purchase as in previous years. Don’t miss out on this and other bookish goodies – become a Superstars Patron here! Highlights Catherine’s curse has been broken — her top pick was a winner! Both Catherine and Sarah circle back with two 5-star books each! Their reading stats and success rates for fall. The best and worst picks from the Fall 2023 Book Preview. Books We Read Before the Preview [8:38] Sarah’s Pick: Happiness Falls by Angie Kim (August 29) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:19] Catherine’s Picks: The English Experience by Julie Schumacher (August 15) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [8:43] The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger (September 5) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [15:26]  Other Books Mentioned: Dear Committee Members by Julie Schumacher [9:56] Miracle Creek by Angie Kim [11:45] Fall 2023 Circle Back [17:18] September Sarah’s Pick: Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll (September 19) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:23] Catherine’s Pick: The Museum of Failures by Thrity Umrigar (September 26) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:17] Other Books Mentioned: The Quiet Tenant by Clémence Michallon [18:53] Notes on an Execution by Danya Kukafka [18:51] The Only Plane in the Sky by Garrett M. Graff [21:44] Luckiest Girl Alive by Jessica Knoll [25:56] The Favorite Sister by Jessica Knoll [25:57] Honor by Thrity Umrigar [28:12] October Sarah’s Picks: Kill Show by Daniel Sweren-Becker  (October 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [28:15] In Light of All Darkness by Kim Cross (October 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [34:42] The Sun Sets in Singapore by Kehinde Fadipe (October 31) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [41:33] Catherine’s Picks: The Hank Show by McKenzie Funk (October 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [32:35]  The Leftover Woman by Jean Kwok (October 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [38:23] One Woman Show by Christine Coulson (October 17) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [44:14] Other Books Mentioned: I Have Some Questions For You by Rebecca Makkai [30:53] When the Stars Go Dark by Paula McLain [35:15] I’ll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara [35:44] American Predator by Maureen Callahan [35:46] November Sarah’s Pick: The Helsinki Affair by Anna Pitoniak (November 14) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [47:43]  Other Books Mentioned: Red London by Alma Katsu [48:08] Red Widow by Alma Katsu [48:07] Our American Friend by Anna Pitoniak [50:28] The Sisterhood: The Secret History of Women at the CIA by Liza Mundy [50:55] Other Books The Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groff [7:36] Let Us Descend by Jesmyn Ward [7:37] Wellness by Nathan Hill [7:39] The Fraud by Zadie Smith [7:42] Other Links Instagram | @ataleoftwolitties : Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll

In podcast episode 154, we’re diving into the world of book cover design with Karen Horton, graphic designer and former Art Director at Henry Holt. Karen takes us behind the scenes of the process of book cover design, who makes key book cover related decisions, and the role of marketing budgets and author’s reputation in this process. Plus, Karen 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 The high-level book cover design process. When and why publishers reach out to designers before a book’s launch proposal. The dynamics of deciding which books a designer works on. Freelance vs In-house: Factors that determine who gets to design the top titles. The lesser-known “silent auction” approach some publishers adopt. Whether book cover designers really read the whole book. Who holds the final decision about a book cover. The author’s role in the decision-making process and the factors that impact how that can play out. How marketing budgets and an author’s reputation influence design choices. The influence of ongoing design trends and when publishers decide to break away from them. Karen’s Book Recommendations [35:58] Two OLD Books She Loves A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:11] The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:04] Two NEW Books She Loves Thicker Than Water by Kerry Washington | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:36] We Were Once a Family by Roxanna Asgarian | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:45] One Book She DIDN’T Love A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole | Amazon | Bookshop.org[42:46] NEW RELEASE She’s Excited About The Cemetery of Untold Stories by Julia Alvarez (April 2, 2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:12] Other Books Mentioned: Unlikely Animals by Annie Hartnett [46:56] Last 5-Star Book Karen Read A Living Remedy by Nicole Chung | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:25] Additional Books Mentioned Strange Sally Diamond by Liz Nugent [15:34] Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus [26:45] Prep by Curtis Sittenfeld [31:04] Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert [31:17] When the Stars Go Dark by Paula McLain [32:11] Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid [32:20] The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller [32:25] The Push by Ashley Audrain [32:32] The Whispers by Ashley Audrain [33:00] The Mothers by Brit Bennett [34:49] The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett [34:50] About Karen Horton Website | Instagram | X (formerly Twitter) Karen Horton is an Art Director and graphic designer with more than 15 years of experience working in the book publishing industry. She previously was the Art Director at Henry Holt and Company + Metropolitan Books. Prior to moving over to the Henry Holt imprint in 2016, she was the Senior Designer at Flatiron Books. Over the years she has worked as a freelancer and consulting Art Director for a variety of publishing clients. Additionally, Karen was a co-founder and the Editorial and Social Media Director for the startup design:related. Karen was also an Art Director on staff for a range of New York Times bestsellers at Little, Brown, and Company. Before working at Little, Brown, she managed a small team of designers as an Art Director at Oxford University Press. She first got her start in book publishing at St. Martin’s Press (Macmillan Publishers). When she’s not designing book covers, she spends much of her time wandering neighborhoods in Queens and researching all things design.

In Episode 153, Susie Boutry (@NovelVisits) and I are back for our 3rd annual Debuts Special! Today, we’re sharing our favorite debuts from 2023 (so far), new and backlist! Plus, we discuss our reading stats for debuts this year, and we talk about some standout sophomore novels that made the cut. 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 this year’s crop of debuts compares to those from previous years. A full breakdown of our 2023 debut-related stats. Debuts we love, divided into three categories: Favorite Debuts of 2023 (so far) Favorite Backlist Debuts Standout Sophomore Novels Favorite Debuts of 2023 (so far) [7:06] Sarah Talking at Night by Claire Daverley | Amazon | Bookshop.org [8:01] The Art of Scandal by Regina Black | Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:43] Good for a Girl by Lauren Fleshman | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:02] Shark Heart by Emily Habeck | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:41] Susie Go As a River by Shelley Read | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:47] Wandering Souls by Cecile Pin | Amazon | Bookshop.org [16:49] In Memoriam by Alice Winn | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:43] The Road to Dalton by Shannon Bowring | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:40] Other Books Mentioned The Many Lives of Mama Love by Lara Love Hardin [7:27] The Rachel Incident by Caroline O’Donoghue [8:47] Normal People by Sally Rooney [8:48] The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller [8:50] One Day by David Nicholls [8:51] Tell Me Lies by Carola Lovering [9:20] Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens [13:07] The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger [24:23] The Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groff [24:25] A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara [25:33] No Two Persons by Erica Bauermeister [32:06] The Net Beneath Us by Carol Dunbar [33:07] A Town Called Solace by Mary Lawson [33:10] Favorite Backlist Debuts [33:22] Sarah The Sun Does Shine by Anthony Ray Hinton | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:37] Blood Sugar by Sascha Rothchild | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:47] Susie Severance by Ling Ma | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:18] Our Endless Numbered Days by Claire Fuller | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:53] Other Books Mentioned Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson [34:23] Tom Lake by Ann Patchett [37:21] Pete and Alice in Maine by Caitlin Shetterly [37:23] Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel [37:33] The Dog Stars by Peter Heller [37:40] Swimming Lessons by Claire Fuller [42:56] Standout Sophomore Novels [44:46] Sarah I Could Live Here Forever by Hanna Halperin | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:23] The Connollys of County Down by Tracey Lange | Amazon | Bookshop.org[49:51] Susie The Shadow of Perseus by Claire Heywood | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:33] The Whispers by Ashley Audrain | Amazon | Bookshop.org [51:59] Other Books Mentioned Happiness Falls by Angie Kim [45:10] Something Wild by Hanna Halperin [47:25] Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes [49:21] We Are the Brennans by Tracey Lange [50:00] The Push by Ashley Audrain [52:35] Additional Books Mentioned Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus [2:15] The Measure by Nikki Erlick [2:17]

In Episode 152, author Liz Nugent talks about her latest novel, Strange Sally Diamond. Liz is known for her dark and psychological storytelling. Strange Sally Diamond is character-driven, delving deep into psychology and trauma, and despite Sally’s damaged nature, Liz portrays her with empathy and nuance. Strange Sally Diamond challenges us to consider the “why” behind someone’s behavior. Plus, we get some great book recommendations from Liz. 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 Liz shares a spoiler-free summary of Strange Sally Diamond. The literary character who inspired this story. The amazing way Liz wrote the psychological aspects in Strange Sally Diamond. Why Liz finds it easier to write from the male perspective and how that changed (or didn’t!) for writing Sally. All about those two different endings (UK vs. US editions) and the reasoning behind it! Liz’s philosophy about opening lines. The inspiration behind the opening line for Strange Sally Diamond. Liz shares a little about her next book — including her opening line (though that could change)! We get a little behind-the-scenes scoop about book cover art and an author’s role in choosing their book cover. Liz’s Book Recommendations [32:45] Two OLD Books She Loves I Know This Much Is True by Wally Lamb | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:58] Razorblade Tears by S. A. Cosby | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [37:08] Other Books Mentioned: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen [33:12] Bleak House by Charles Dickens [33:13] She’s Come Undone by Wally Lamb [36:02] All the Sinners Bleed by S. A. Cosby [41:05] Two NEW Books She Loves Everyone Here is Lying by Shari Lapena | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:21] I Will Find You by Harlan Coben | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:33] Other Books Mentioned: The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena [42:08] One Book She Didn’t Love American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:17] TWO NEW RELEASES She’s Excited About The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose (November 28, 2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:58] End of Story by A. J. Finn (February 20, 2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[49:43] Other Books Mentioned: The Woman in the Window by A. J. Finn [49:46] Last 5-Star Book Liz Read The Lost Man by Jane Harper | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:54] Other Books Mentioned Unraveling Oliver by Liz Nugent [1:44] Lying in Wait by Liz Nugent [1:47] Little Cruelties by Liz Nugent [1:48] To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee [3:27] The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk M.D. [10:33] The Maid by Nita Prose [21:52] Other Links Esquire | Book Publishing’s Broken Blurb System (September 7, 2023)

Episode 151 brings author Angie Kim back to the podcast with her sophomore novel, Happiness Falls. Angie is carving out her niche with literary mysteries featuring children with disabilities or illnesses, drawing inspiration from her own family’s encounters. I broke my own rules for podcast guests because Happiness Falls is now in the running for my #1 book of 2023 and it’s the smartest book I’ve read all year! 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 full episode Show Notes on the blog. Highlights Angie shares a spoiler-free summary of Happiness Falls. Angie’s own life experiences that shape her stories. How Angie’s move as a pre-teen to the United States from South Korea influenced the happiness experiments in this novel. Angie’s expectations going into her sophomore book release. How long Angie had been ideating and writing Happiness Falls. The differences in Angie’s approach to writing this novel compared to her debut. How Angie discovered Angelman’s Syndrome and decided to include it in her novel. The differences in perspectives between a parent of a child with disabilities and and the sibling of a child with disabilities as portrayed in Miracle Creek and Happiness Falls. Angie gives a small teaser about her next book! Angie’s Book Recommendations [40:34] Two OLD Books She Loves Swamplandia! by Karen Russell | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:45] Chemistry by Weike Wang | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:48] Other Books Mentioned: Joan Is Okay by Weike Wang [44:47] Two NEW Books She Loves Greek Lessons by Han Kang | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:10] Hestia Strikes a Match by Christine Grillo | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:05] Other Books Mentioned: The Vegetarian by Han Kang [45:27] One Book She Didn't Love The Godfather by Mario Puzo | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:48] NEW RELEASE She’s Excited About Same Bed Different Dreams by Ed Park (November 7, 2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [53:05] Other Books Mentioned: Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell [54:09] Last 5-Star Book Angie Read Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin | Amazon | Bookshop.org [54:24] Other Links Ep. 22: Angie Kim (Author of Miracle Creek)