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Sarah's Bookshelves Live: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Sarah Dickinson | Sarah's Bookshelves
Sarah's Bookshelves Live is a bi-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.
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- 5 days ago54 min
The BIG Books Episode with Chrissie Whitley | Ep. 235
Sarah and Chrissie (@ChrissieWhitley) dig into their very different relationships with big books, from what counts as "big" and knowing when the moment is right to what makes a long book worth the extra pages. They also share some of their favorite big books — and a few they wish had been shorter. 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 Where Sarah and Chrissie each draw the line between a regular book and a big book. Is a 700-page book intimidating … or an invitation to settle in? When, and why, are they most likely to pick up a long book? Does format or genre change how big a book feels? What makes a book actually deserve its high page count? Some of their favorite big books … and a few they really wish had been shorter. Some Favorite BIG Books Chrissie 4 3 2 1 by Paul Auster (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:38] The Princes of Ireland (The Dublin Saga, 1) by Edward Rutherfurd (2004) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:36] Fox by Joyce Carol Oates (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:54] Red Comet by Heather Clark (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:10] Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke (2004) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:45] The Love Songs of W. E. B. Du Bois by Honoree Fanonne Jeffers (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:30] Sarah 11/22/63 by Stephen King (2011) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:31] I Know This Much Is True by Wally Lamb (1998) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:32] A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving (1989) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:23] The World According to Garp by John Irving (1978) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:25] Natchez Burning (Penn Cage, 4; Natchez Burning, 1) by Greg Iles (2014) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:19] Wanderers (Wanderers, 1) by Chuck Wendig (2019) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:40] Other Books Mentioned War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy (1869) [30:06] The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas (1846) [30:07] The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne (201
- 2 weeks ago55 min
Fall 2026 Book Preview with Catherine Gilmore | Ep. 234
Sarah and Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books are back with 16 of their most anticipated books publishing from mid-August through December. 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. Want More Book Preview Picks? Paid members of our Patreon Community or our Substack Community (both $7/month with the same member benefits) get even more seasonal recommendations with Book Preview Extras! In each episode, Catherine and Sarah share at least 4 additional books they're excited about that didn't make the main Book Preview. Join on Patreon or Substack to listen — and get access to all our other bonus podcast episodes and paid-member content. Highlights A lightning round of some big fall releases that are NOT their personal Preview picks. Catherine came in determined to have "no chunksters" this fall … only to discover that 2 of her picks are actually over 500 pages. Catherine's theme for fall is "intrigue" — the verb, not the noun — with picks she can't wait to see unfold. Sarah's list includes one actual chunkster, several books that fit into her recent Micro Genres, and 3 debuts. Stick around to the end to hear their #1 picks for fall! Big Fall Releases Ply by Hernán Diaz (Sep 29) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:02] The Thoroughbreds (The Academy, 2) by Elin Hilderbrand and Shelby Cunningham (Sep 15) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:06] Story Telling by Isabel Allende (Sep 15) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:17] Hollywood, Ending by John Green (Sep 22) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:20] Big Little Truths (Big Little Lies, 2) by Liane Moriarty (Aug 25) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:30] Hollow Bones by Jodi Picoult (Sep 15) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:37] Under Story by Chloe Benjamin (Sep 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:43] Life Out of Order (The Time Traveler's Wife, 2) by Audrey Niffenegger (Oct 6) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:49] Switzy by Emma Cline (Sep 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [2:08] I Never Knew You At All by Christine Pride and Jo Piazza (Oct 13) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [2:14] The Pirate Queen by Ariel Lawhon (Sep 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [2:41] The Weight of Angels by John B
- 3 weeks ago45 min
Summer 2026 Circle Back with Catherine Gilmore | Ep. 233
Sarah and Catherine circle back to the 12 new releases they shared in the Summer 2026 Book Preview, now that they've read them — or at least tried to! Find out which books worked, which didn't, and whether their most anticipated summer reads lived up to expectations. 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. Want More Book Preview Picks? Paid members of our Patreon Community or our Substack Community (both $7/month with the same member benefits) get even more seasonal recommendations with Book Preview Extras! In each episode, Catherine and Sarah share at least 4 additional books they're excited about that didn't make the main Book Preview. Join on Patreon or Substack to listen — and get access to all our other bonus podcast episodes and paid-member content. Highlights Catherine calls her summer Preview reading "upwardly mobile," while Sarah sees hers as "the downside of high-risk picks." Catherine liked 4 of her 6 picks, while Sarah's riskier summer ended with one 5-star read — and 3 DNFs. Catherine and Sarah each tried one of the other's Preview picks … and neither made it to the finish line. Some deep thoughts on books where you can "feel the writing device" — and why that rarely works for either of them. Plus, Sarah has a new label for those deeply immersive, cozy reads: "warm bath books." And, of course, their best and worst book picks of the summer! Books Read Before the Preview Sarah's Pick Whistler by Ann Patchett (June 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:17] Other Books Mentioned Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke (2026) [4:02] Summer 2026 Circle Back June Catherine's Picks A Year of Marvelous Ways by Sarah Winman (US Release June 16) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [4:37] Leave and Come Back by Lavanya Lakshmi (June 16) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [12:41] The Top of the World by Ethan Joella (June 30) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:26] Keep Them Close by David Ellis (June 30) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:17] Other Books Mentioned Pearce Oysters by Joselyn Takacs (2024) [7:08] July Sarah's Picks The Half Life by Rachel Beanland (July 14) |Amazon | Bookshop.org [8:33] Dad, Love, Me by Matthew Quick (July 21) | Amazon<img src= "http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=sarsbooshe04-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B014E0E9SK" alt
- Aug 19, 202651 min
2026 Micro Genres with Anderson McKean | Ep. 232
In Episode 232, Sarah is joined by returning guest Anderson McKean of Page & Palette Bookstore for the 2026 edition of Micro Genres! Each year, this series gives us a chance to niche down even further into the kinds of books we love — spotlighting those very specific sub-sub-genres that capture a particular reading taste. This year, Sarah and Anderson have 10 all-new Micro Genres to share, along with standout books for each. With more than 80 books mentioned, you're bound to find a few new additions to your TBR — and maybe recognize a Micro Genre or two of your own. 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. Politically-Adjacent Stories (Sarah) The Hopefuls by Jennifer Close (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:00] Charlotte Walsh Like to Win by Jo Piazza (2018) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:11] American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld (2008) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:36] Rodham by Curtis Sittenfeld (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:38] Vantage Point by Sara Sligar (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:47] The Emperor of Ocean Park (Elm Harbor, 1) by Stephen L. Carter (2002) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [4:48] Palace Council (Elm Harbor, 3) by Stephen L. Carter (2008) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [4:49] The Boomerang by Robert Bailey (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:23] State of Terror by Louise Penny and Hillary Clinton (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [6:14] The Situation Room by George Stephanopoulos (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [6:55] Becoming by Michelle Obama (2018) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [8:18] From the Corner of the Oval by Beck Dorey-Stein (2018) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [8:53] Retellings that Are NOT Mythological (Anderson) Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser (2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:41] The Beheading Game by Rebecca Lehmann (2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:58] Beautiful Little Fools by Jillian Cantor (2022) | Amazon<
- Aug 5, 202653 min
Inside Amazon's Best Books of 2026 So Far List | Ep. 231
In Episode 231, Al Woodworth (Amazon Senior Editor) returns to the show to discuss Amazon's Best Books of 2026 So Far. They break down this year's list, discuss the books that rose to the top, and explore how the Amazon Books editorial team selected, debated, and ultimately ranked this year's Top 20. Plus, Al shares her personal 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 Al shares the defining characteristics of Amazon's Best Books of 2026 So Far list. How the Amazon Books editorial team selected and ranked this year's Top 20. Whether this year's list sparked debate and how disagreements were resolved. Why Kin was chosen as Amazon's #1 book of the year so far. The genres that have stood out (and the ones that haven't) in 2026. A look at how books are assigned to Amazon's genre-specific lists. Why some books rank differently on genre lists than on the overall Top 20 list. Under-the-radar books from the list that deserve more attention. Al's personal favorites that didn't quite make the Top 20. Al's Book Recommendations Two OLD Books She Loves Migrations by Charlotte McConaghy (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:54] Almond by Won-Pyung Sohn (US Release: 2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[39:22] Other Books Mentioned Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy (2025) [35:56] Two NEW Books She Loves The Nightingales by Emil Wilson (Aug 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:32] American Hagwon by Min Jin Lee (Sep 29) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:07] Other Books Mentioned Pachinko by Min Jin Lee (2017) [44:12] One Book She DIDN'T Love Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke (Apr 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:05] One NEW RELEASE She's Excited About The Vanishing Family by Robert Kolker (Sep 29) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[50:10] Other Books Mentioned Hidden Valley Road by Robert Kolker (2020) [50:42] Books From the Discussion Kin by Tayari Jones (Feb 24) [2:06] London Falling by Patrick Radden Keefe (Apr 7) [3:07] Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke (Apr 7) [6:43] Strangers by Belle Burden (Jan 13) [6:50] Night Objects by Eli Raphael (May 26) [6:57] <a href="
- Jul 22, 202651 min
Kevin Hazzard (Author of No One's Coming) | Ep. 230
In Episode 230, Sarah chats with Kevin Hazzard about his new book, No One's Coming, the true story of the daring mission to rescue two Americans infected with Ebola during the 2014 West African outbreak. They discuss the unlikely team behind the unprecedented operation, the challenges of telling a real-life story with the pacing of a thriller, and what Kevin learned about the ordinary people who stepped up when no one else could. Plus, Kevin shares his 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 Kevin Hazzard: No One's Coming, American Sirens, and A Thousand Naked Strangers How Kevin first came across this remarkable true story — and how he knew he had to write it Why the Phoenix Air team agreed to take on an unprecedented and incredibly dangerous mission The challenge of getting people to speak candidly about such a high-pressure, high-stakes operation The qualities Kevin saw in the people who said "yes" when everyone else was saying "no" Kevin answers the question: Would he have agreed to go on this ebola mission? If he plans to stay in the world of medical nonfiction for future books Kevin's Book Recommendations Two OLD Books He Loves Apeirogon by Colum McCann (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:45] The Heart in Winter by Kevin Barry (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:07] Other Books Mentioned The Tiger by John Vaillant (2010) [40:17] Night Boat to Tangier by Kevin Barry (2019) [42:59] Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett (1952) [43:03] Two NEW Books He Loves In the Days of My Youth I Was Told What It Means To Be A Man by Tom Junod (Mar 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:11] Black Dahlia by William Mann (Jan 27) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:57] Other Books Mentioned Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn (2012) [44:16] Black Dahlia, Red Rose by Piu Eatwell (2017) [45:56] I'll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara (2018) [46:27] One Book He DIDN'T Love The Secret History by Donna Tartt (1992) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:44] One NEW RELEASE He's Excited About High Road by Hank Idsinga (Apr 28) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:39] Other Books Mentioned Homicide by David Simon (1991) [48:52]
- Jul 8, 20261h 1m
Behind the Scenes of Literary Agents with Laura B. McGrath (Author of Middlemen) | Ep. 229
In Episode 229, Sarah talks with Laura B. McGrath about her new book, Middlemen, and the behind-the-scenes role literary agents play in publishing. They discuss what agents actually do, how they shape an author's career, the hype surrounding debut novels, and what Laura learned while researching one of publishing's least visible professions. Plus, Laura 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 Middlemen by Laura B. McGrath (April 28) | Amazon | Bookshop.org Why a literary agent's most important job isn't what most readers think. What agents are really looking for when they decide to represent an author. The surprising amount of homework agents do before signing a new client. The hype surrounding debut novels — and some of the downsides that come with it. Why the publishing industry was initially wary of public book sales data. Laura's Book Recommendations Two OLD Books She Loves Housekeeping by Marilynne Robinson (1980) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:12] Franny and Zooey by J. D. Salinger (1961) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:59] Other Books Mentioned Gilead by Marilynne Robinson (2004) [46:36] Two NEW Books She Loves London Falling by Patrick Radden Keefe (April 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[49:25] Discipline by Larissa Pham (Jan 20) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [51:42] Other Books Mentioned Say Nothing by Patrick Radden Keefe (2018) [50:31] One Book She DIDN'T Love The Ending Writes Itself by Evelyn Clarke (April 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[53:14] Other Books Mentioned Erasure by Percival Everett (2001) [53:30] The Wife by Meg Wolitzer (2003) [53:32] And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie (1939) [54:16] The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie (1947/1952) [54:19] Yellowface by R. F. Kuang (2023) [55:34] One NEW RELEASE She's Excited About Music Against the Night by Yiyun Li (October 13, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [57:04] Sneak Pick: Miss Lambert Steps Aboard Danger by Kazuo Ishiguro (March 9, 2027) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [57:04] Other Books Mentioned <a href="https://amzn.to/4v7VIs0"
- Jun 24, 20261h 7m
Best Books of 2026 So Far with Catherine Gilmore and Chrissie Whitley | Ep. 228
In Episode 228, Sarah, Catherine (@GilmoreGuide), and Chrissie (@ChrissieWhitley) take stock of the reading year so far, discussing the books, publishing trends, and industry chatter that have defined the first half of 2026. They dive into the biggest publishing stories of the year, the rise of "cozy everything," the continued influence of self-publishing and book-to-screen success stories, and whether it's possible to tap a Book of the Year before the second half of the publishing calendar arrives. Then, they share their Top 5 Books of 2026 So Far and a few disappointing reads that didn't quite live up to expectations. 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 our 2026 reading has been so far How 2026 compares to this point in 2025 Each person's current Book of the Year pick Whether it's too early to crown a Book of the Year Midyear reading stats and surprise wins Each of our Top 5 books of 2026 so far Their biggest disappointments of the year so far Top 5 Books of 2026 So Far Sarah No One's Coming by Kevin Hazzard (Mar 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:42] A Hymn to Life by Gisèle Pelicot (Feb 17) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:36] Whistler by Ann Patchett (Jun 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:44] London Falling by Patrick Radden Keefe (Apr 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:55] The Burning Side by Sarah Damoff (May 19) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:55] Catherine The Poet Empress by Shen Tao (Jan 20) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:11] A Hymn to Life by Gisèle Pelicot (Feb 17) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:36] Land by Maggie O'Farrell (Jun 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:55] Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser (Mar 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:42] Ruins by Lily Brooks-Dalton (March 31) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [56:09] Chrissie A Hymn to Life by Gisèle Pelicot (Feb 17) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:36] Whistler by Ann Patchett (Jun 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:44] <a href="https://
About Sarah's Bookshelves Live
Sarah's Bookshelves Live is a bi-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.
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