In Episode 96, Susie Boutry (@NovelVisits) and I share some of our favorite debut novels and discuss why we gravitate toward debuts.  We also discuss our reading stats for debut novels, as well as exploring some sophomore novels...the good, the not so good, and those we're still awaiting. This post contains affiliate links, through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). I also included Bookshop.org affiliate links. Highlights Why I like having debut authors on the podcast. A full breakdown of debut-related stats and our best year for debuts Debuts we love, divided into four categories: All-Time Favorite Debuts Sophomore Slumps — alongside the debuts that came before them Anxiously Awaiting — debut novelists who’ve not yet released a second novel Upcoming Sophomore Novels All-Time Favorite Debuts [9:35] Sarah The Mothers by Brit Bennett | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org[11:00] Black Chalk by Christopher J. Yates | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [16:35] & [41:05] Honorable Mentions Shelter by Jung Yun | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [10:00] Saving Ruby King by Catherine Adel West | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [10:16] Susie Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [13:22] The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [18:46] Honorable Mention Mudbound by Hillary Jordan | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [10:26] Sophomore Slumps [21:05] Sarah Debut: The Wife, the Maid, and the Mistress by Ariel Lawhon | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [21:20] Sophomore: Flight of Dreams by Ariel Lawhon | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [23:40] Debut: Dead Letters by Caite Dolan-Leach | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [29:46] Sophomore: We Went to the Woods by Caite Dolan-Leach | Buy from Amazon| Buy from Bookshop.org [32:03] Susie Debut: Standard Deviation by Katherine Heiny | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [25:04] Sophomore: Early Morning Riser by Katherine Heiny | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [28:13] Debut: Did You Ever Have a Family by Bill Clegg | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [33:14] Sophomore: The End of the Day by Bill Clegg | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [35:09] Anxiously Awaiting [36:25] Sarah The Book of Essie by Meghan MacLean Weir | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [36:37] We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [41:13] Susie If We Were Villains by M. L. Rio | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org[38:54] Tuesday Nights in 1980 by Molly Prentiss | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [43:57] Upcoming Sophomore Novels [45:40] Sarah Debut: Miracle Creek by Angie Kim | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [45:55] Upcoming: Happiness Quotient by Angie Kim (TBA) [46:19] Debut: Fleishman Is in Trouble by Taffy Brodesser-Akner | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [48:51] Upcoming: Long Island Compromise by Taffy Brodesser-Akner (January 18, 2022) | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [50:02] Susie Debut: Girl at War by Sara Nović | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [47:04] Upcoming: True Biz by Sara Nović (March 15, 2022) | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [47:58] Debut: Rabbit Cake by Annie Hartnett | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [51:03] Upcoming: Unlikely Animals by Annie Hartnett (April 12, 2022) | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [52:39] Other Books Mentioned The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett [11:40]  Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi [13:53]  The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins [17:21] The Secret History by Donna Tartt [17:24] & [39:31] The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer [17:26]  Rules of Civility by Amor Towles [22:18] A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara [34:06]  Scout Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee [52:28]  Other Links Podcast Episode 93: Fall 2021 Book Preview with Catherine from @GilmoreGuide Podcast Episode 83: 2021 Summer Reading Special with Susie from @NovelVisits Podcast Episode 78: Deep Backlist Books with Catherine from @GilmoreGuide Podcast Episode 64: Catherine Adel West (Author of Saving Ruby King) If you’d like to track your own reading stats, check out my downloadable spreadsheet.  Learn more about the 2021 Rock Your Reading Tracking Spreadsheet here, or by becoming a supporter on Patreon and choosing the Superstar level, you’ll get the upcoming 2022 Reading Tracker included with your membership.

Sarah's Bookshelves Live

Ep. 96: 2021 Debuts Special with Susie from @NovelVisits

In Episode 95, Cheryl Diamond joins me to discuss what it was like to have been "born a ghost," her outlaw life with her fugitive parents, on the run from Interpol and other government agencies, and what brought her to detail her tumultuous childhood in her latest memoir, Nowhere Girl. This post contains affiliate links, through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). Highlights What prompted Cheryl's decision to write this memoir now. How Cheryl weighed her fear for her own safety against the need to share her story. What delayed Cheryl starting therapy and where she is now in her healing journey. Cheryl talks about her time, along with her brother, as elite athletes training for the Junior Olympics while still on the run. Why Cheryl feels like she lost her 20s and the toll this has taken on her health and well-being. How her childhood was both a magical adventure and a chaotic and dark time. Cheryl discusses the fact-checking of her memoir and a scene that was almost cut from Nowhere Girl for legal reasons. Cheryl's Book Recommendations [spp-timestamp time="34:35"] Two OLD Books She Loves The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [spp-timestamp time="35:22"] Papillon by Henri Charrière | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [spp-timestamp time="37:11"] Two NEW Books She Loves The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [spp-timestamp time="40:02"] Memoirs of Hadrian by Marguerite Yourcenar | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org[spp-timestamp time="42:00"] One Book She DIDN'T LOVE Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [spp-timestamp time="44:43"] One NEW RELEASE She's Excited About Happy-Go-Lucky by David Sedaris (May 31, 2022) | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [spp-timestamp time="46:18"] Last 5 Star Book(s) Cheryl Read Resilience by Boris Cyrulnik | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [spp-timestamp time="47:20"] Other Books Mentioned Model by Cheryl Diamond [spp-timestamp time="1:33"] Naked Rome by Cheryl Diamond [spp-timestamp time="1:38"] Born to Run by Christopher McDougall [spp-timestamp time="17:05"] Born a Crime by Trevor Noah [spp-timestamp time="17:15"] Educated by Tara Westover [spp-timestamp time="32:36"] The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls [spp-timestamp time="32:38"] Chatter by Ethan Cross [spp-timestamp time="36:49"] The Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd [spp-timestamp time="41:13"] Calypso by David Sedaris [spp-timestamp time="47:04"] About Cheryl Website | Instagram By the age of nine she had lived in more than a dozen countries, on five continents, under six assumed identities.  She was home-schooled by her parents who were evading Interpol and various other law enforcement agencies. At sixteen, Cheryl was scouted by a modeling agency and arrived in New York City with nothing but $300, her cat, and a fair bit of life experience.  Between shoots and castings, she began to write.  Model: A Memoir, a behind the scenes account of her life as a young high fashion model, was published by Simon & Schuster five years later.  The book was featured by the New York Times, the L.A. Times, Good Morning America, and Fox News Live. Her second book, Naked Rome, tells the story of the Eternal City through the eyes of its most fascinating people, and was published in 2019. Cheryl's newest project, Nowhere Girl, the shocking true story of her outlaw childhood, hit shelves on June 2021.  She currently lives in Rome and obeys the law — most of the time. 

Ep. 95: Cheryl Diamond (Author of Nowhere Girl)

Today, we’re bringing you a sneak peek of a new podcast series for patrons!  Double Booked is a monthly series where a co-host (Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books and Susie from Novel Visits will alternate months) and I will each share our own book recommendations in the same format as the big show (2 old books we love, 2 new books we love, 1 book we didn’t love, and 1 upcoming release we’re excited about). Moving forward, these episodes will be available to “Superstars” patrons for $7 / month (join here). This post contains affiliate links, through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). Announcements Along with this Double Booked bonus episode series, “Superstars” patrons will get: My 2022 Rock Your Reading Tracker (normally $14.99) Summer Reading Guide Supplement (additional summer reading recommendations from patrons and hopefully previous podcast guests). Everything in the “Stars” tier ($5 /month) Highlights Our ongoing search for the right word to replace “love” when talking about books that deal with really tough topics.  A chance in Catherine’s reading preferences. If there should be a word count limit on book titles. The fiction trend Catherine is sick of. Sarah’s Recommendations [8:39] Two OLD Books She Loves Plague Years: A Doctor’s Journey Through the AIDS Crisis by Dr. Ross Slotten | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [8:47] The Defenseby Steve Cavanagh | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [18:49] Two NEW Books She Loves When I Ran Away by Ilona Bannister | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [27:43] Nowhere Girl by Cheryl Diamond | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [34:43] One Book She DIDN’T LOVE Razorblade Tears by S.A. Cosby | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [41:39] One NEW RELEASE She’s Excited About Beautiful Country by Qian Julie Wang (September 7, 2021) | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [48:48] Catherine’s Recommendations [5:49] Two OLD Books She Loves The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [14:35] Other People’s Housesby Abbi Waxman | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [23:47] Two NEW Books She Loves Margreete’s Harbor by Eleanor Morse | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [31:37] Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [38:11] One Book She DIDN’T LOVE In My Dreams I Hold a Knife by Ashley Winstead | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [44:58] One NEW RELEASE She’s Excited About The Book of Magic by Alice Hoffman (October 5, 2021) | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [53:04] Other Books Mentioned The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai [12:07]  The Prettiest Starby Carter Sickles [12:07]  The Two Mrs. Grenvilles by Dominick Dunne [17:26] Thirteen by Steve Cavanagh [19:07] The Plea by Steve Cavanagh[23:11] Sorrow & Blissby Meg Mason [30:50] The Northern Reachby W.S. Winslow [31:44]  Commonwealthby Ann Patchett [34:06]  Blacktop Wastelandby S.A. Cosby [42:41]  The Girls are All So Nice Here by Laurie Elizabeth Flynn [46:03]  Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman [53:50]  Magic Lessonsby Alice Hoffman [53:56]  The Rules of Magicby Alice Hoffman [55:48]  About Catherine Gilmore Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Catherine started The Gilmore Guide to Books over 6 years ago after wrapping up a career as a corporate librarian. She loves books and reading (surprise!) and currently lives in Ann Arbor, MI.

Bonus Episode: Double Booked with @gilmoreguide (A New Podcast Series for Patrons)

In Episode 94, Kimberly McCreight (author of Friends Like These) joins me to deep dive into the mysteries & thrillers genre (including the difference between a mystery and a thriller, how involved authors are in deciding their books’ titles, and what makes a great twist…and to talk about the inspiration behind her new novel. This post contains affiliate links, through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). Highlights A bit about Friends Like These including Kimberly’s inspiration for this story. The difference between a mystery and a thriller. How involved Kimberly and other authors are in determining which sub-genre their books will live in. How involved Kimberly and other authors are in determining their books’ titles. How Kimberly comes up with her titles and what makes a good title. If manuscripts are ever submitted without a working tile. How involved Kimberly and other authors are in determining their books’ jacket copy. What makes a good twist / ending. How Kimberly threads in her red herrings to lay the groundwork for a good twist. How Kimberly keeps her twists fresh amid the sea of thrillers out there. Whether Kimberly reads a lot within the thriller genre. Where Kimberly gets her inspiration from (or, more accurately, doesn’t get her inspiration from). Kimberly’s Book Recommendations [38:52] Two OLD Books She Loves The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [39:24] Three Womenby Lisa Taddeo | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [41:25] Two NEW Books She Loves Razorblade Tears by S.A. Cosby | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [42:48] Fierce Little Thing by Miranda Beverly-Whittemore | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org  [44:49] One Book She DIDN’T LOVE Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [46:37] One NEW RELEASE She’s Excited About Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty (September 7, 2021) | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [42:13] Last 5 Star Book(s) Kimberly Read [49:03] The Pushby Ashley Audrain | Buy from Amazon [48:49] Other Books Mentioned Friends Like These by Kimberly McCreight [2:50] Who is Maud Dixon? by Alexandra Andrews [12:32] Where They Found Her by Kimberly McCreight [17:50] Reconstructing Amelia by Kimberly McCreight [27:59] Animal by Lisa Taddeo [41:55] Bittersweet by Miranda Beverly-Whittemore [45:41] Other Links Picture of the real life upstate New York house that inspired the house in Friends Like These. About Kimberly Website | Instagram | Twitter Kimberly McCreight is the New York Times bestselling author of Reconstructing Amelia, which was nominated for the Edgar, Anthony, and Alex Awards and was called Entertainment Weekly’s Favorite Book of the Year. Reconstructing Amelia has been optioned for film by HBO and Nicole Kidman’s Blossom Films. Ms. McCreight’s second adult novel, Where They Found Her, was a USA Today bestseller and a Kirkus Best Mystery of the Year.  She is also the author of The New York Times bestselling young adult trilogy The Outliers (The Outliers, The Scattering and The Collide), optioned for film by Lionsgate and Reese Witherspoon’s Pacific Standard. Her next novel, an adult mystery set in Park Slope, is forthcoming in 2020. Ms. McCreight attended Vassar College and graduated cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania Law School. She lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her husband and two daughters. 

Ep. 94: Mysteries & Thrillers 101 with Kimberly McCreight (Author of Friends Like These)

Catherine and I share our most anticipated books coming out August – December 2021. This post contains affiliate links, through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). Announcement Join our Patreon Community ($5/mo) to get our bonus podcast episode series called Book Preview Extras! In these episodes, Catherine and I share at least 4 bonus books (we’re sharing 5 this month) that we’re excited about that we did not share in the regular Preview episode. Get more details about all the goodies available to our patrons and sign up here! Highlights Why Sarah isn’t currently excited about the types of books that traditionally comes out in the Fall. Why Sarah doesn’t mind dislikable characters in dysfunctional family stories. The new mystery / thriller sub genre Catherine is coining. Fall 2021 Book Preview [5:49] August Catherine’s Picks: Once There Were Wolvesby Charlotte McConaghy (August 3) | Buy from Amazon | Bookshop.org [8:59] The Women of Troy by Pat Barker Sweeney (August 24) | Buy from Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:00]  The Guide by Peter Heller (August 24) | Buy from Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:43]  September Sarah’s Picks: Friends Like These by Kimberly McCreight (September 7) | Buy from Amazon | Bookshop.org [4:58] Beautiful World, Where Are You? by Sally Rooney (September 7) | Buy from Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:38] L.A. Weather by Maria Amparo Escandon (September 7) | Buy from Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:12] Catherine’s Picks: Beautiful Country by Qian Julie Wang (September 7) | Buy from Amazon | Bookshop.org [28:44] Unbound by Tarana Burke (September 14) | Buy from Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:42] Em by Kim Thuy (September 28) | Buy from Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:13] October Sarah’s Picks: We Are Not Like Them by Jo Piazza and Christine Pride (October 5) | Buy from Amazon | Bookshop.org [25:24] My Monticello by Jocelyn Nicole Johnson (October 5) | Buy from Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:28] No One Will Miss Her by Kat Rosenfield (October 12) | Buy from Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:19] Oh William by Elizabeth Strout (October 19) | Buy from Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:25] Catherine’s Picks: Fight Night by Miriam Toews (October 5) | Buy from Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:56] The Book of Mother by Violane Huisman (October 19) | Buy from Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:13] November Sarah’s Picks: O Beautiful by Jung Yun (November 9) | Buy from Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:30] Other Books Mentioned Harlem Shuffle by Colson Whitehead [3:40]  A Good Marriageby Kimberly McCreight [6:03]  All Together Now by Matthew Norman [6:43] Shotgun Lovesongs by Nickolas Butler [6:57] The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer[6:57] The Ensembleby Aja Gabel [7:05] Normal Peopleby Sally Rooney [13:59]  Conversations With Friendsby Sally Rooney [13:59]  The Silence of the Girlsby Pat Barker [18:36]  The River by Peter Heller [22:43]  Descent by Tim Johnston [24:18]  When the Stars Go Darkby Paula McLain [24:31]  Charlotte Walsh Likes to Win by Jo Piazza [26:11]  The Knockoff by Jo Piazza and Lucy Sykes [26:15]  An American Marriage by Tayari Jones [27:06]  Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult [27:15]  Your House Will Pay by Steph Cha [27:52]  Girl in Translation by Jean Kwok [30:11]  Waiting for Eden by Eliot Ackerman [37:57]  Ru by Kim Thuy [38:25] My Name is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout [40:51] Anything is Possible by Elizabeth Strout [41:43] Women Talking by Miriam Toews [43:26] Shelter by Jung Yun [44:50] The Missing Place by Sophie Littlefield [47:29] Anywhere But Here by Mona Simpson [50:09] About Catherine Gilmore Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Catherine started The Gilmore Guide to Books over 6 years ago after wrapping up a career as a corporate librarian. She loves books and reading (surprise!) and currently lives in Ann Arbor, MI.

Ep. 93: Fall 2021 Book Preview

In the Summer 2021 Book Preview (Ep. 86), Catherine and I shared our most anticipated books coming out June – July 2021. But, we often haven’t read the books we share in the Preview Episodes. So, in this new series, we will “circle back” to update you on all the books we presented in the previous season’s Book Preview now that we’ve at least attempted to read them. This post contains affiliate links, through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). Bonus Books Join our Patreon Community ($5/mo) to get our bonus podcast episode series called Book Preview Extras! In these episodes, Catherine and I share at least 4 bonus books (we’re sharing 5 this month) that we’re excited about that we did not share in the regular Preview episode. Get more details about all the goodies available to our patrons and sign up here! Highlights Sarah’s and Catherine’s success rates from the Summer Preview. Our Best and Worst picks from the Summer 2021 Preview episode. How Sarah differentiates between a DNF and a sample. How Catherine and I would prefer teenage characters speak in YA books. Summer 2021 Books We Had Already Read When We Recorded the Preview [5:31] Sarah’s Picks: Falling by T.J. Newman (July 6) | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [5:34]  The Second Season by Emily Adrian (July 27) | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [7:22] Catherine’s Picks: The Husbands by Chandler Baker (August 3 – Catherine’s Review) | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [8:54] Circling Back: Summer 2021 Books [10:29] June Sarah’s Picks: Ace of Spades by Faridah Abike Iyimide (June 1) | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [11:11]  One Last Stopby Casey McQuiston (June 1) | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [18:49] Catherine’s Picks: One, Two, Threeby Laurie Frankel (June 8) | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [14:25] God Spare the Girls by Kelsey McKinney (June 22) | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [21:10] The Secret Keeper of Jaipur by Alka Joshi (June 22) | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [26:47] July Sarah’s Picks: Embassy Wife by Katie Crouch (July 13) | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [30:01] Intimacies by Katie Kitamura (July 20) | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [40:51] Catherine’s Picks: Dear Miss Metropolitan by Carolyn Ferrell (July 6) | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [33:51] The Startup Wife by Thamima Anam (July 13) | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [43:53] Other Books Mentioned Charlotte Walsh Likes to Win by Jo Piazza [8:34] This is How it Always Is by Laurie Frankel [17:13]  Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston [20:03] The Book of Essie by Meghan MacLean Weir [25:43]  The Dearly Belovedby Cara Wall [26:07] The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi [26:07] The Expatriates by Janice Y.K. Lee [33:35] A Separation by Katie Kitamura [41:43] About Catherine Gilmore Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Catherine started The Gilmore Guide to Books over 6 years ago after wrapping up a career as a corporate librarian. She loves books and reading (surprise!) and currently lives in Ann Arbor, MI.

Ep. 92: Circling Back to Summer 2021 Preview Books (with @gilmoreguide)

In Episode 91, Caitlin Wahrer (author of The Damage) shares how she decided to tackle sexual assault of a man by a man, how she felt about writing a gay male protagonist as a straight woman, and how the U.S. legal system is re-traumatizing for sexual assault victims. This post contains affiliate links, through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). Highlights Why Caitlin doesn’t use cases she actually worked on as inspiration for her fiction writing. How Caitlin decided to tackle sexual assault of a man by a man. How Caitlin felt about writing a story about a gay, male protagonist as a straight woman (and what the discussions with her publisher looked like). What it was like to work with a sensitivity reader. What it means to her when gay men and sexual assault survivors tell her The Damage had an impact on them. (rephrase). The biggest difference she discovered in the impact of sexual assault of a female vs. of a male. How the U.S. legal system is re-traumatizing for sexual assault victims, Caitlin’s view of the legal system’s biggest problems, and how she thinks it could be improved. The restorative justice process. Why attorneys make such great fiction writers. Caitlin’s Book Recommendations [31:19] Two OLD Books She Loves Know My Name by Chanel Miller | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [31:34] Wild Seedby Octavia Butler | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [34:31] Two NEW Books She Loves The Nine Lives of Rose Napolitano by Donna Freitas | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [37:28] Bath Haus by PJ Vernon | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [39:35] One Book She DIDN’T LOVE Cujo by Stephen King | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [44:12] One NEW RELEASE She’s Excited About Dog Park by Sofi Oksanen (September 21, 2021) | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [42:13] Last 5 Star Book(s) Caitlin Read [49:03] That Night by Gillian McAllister | Buy from Amazon [46:40] Other Books Mentioned Kindred by Octavia Butler [34:49] Salem’s Lot by Stephen King [46:13] About Caitlin Instagram Caitlin is a Maine girl through and through. She was born to two hippies who raised her in a small town in central-southern Maine without a single stoplight in it. Caitlin left the state for four years to study criminal justice and marriage and family studies at a college in Pennsylvania. She returned to Maine after graduation to attend law school and practice law. She and her husband live in southern Maine with their dog. 

Ep. 91: Caitlin Wahrer (Author of The Damage)

In Episode 90, Megan Abbott (author of The Turnout) shares how she chooses the worlds she writes about, the expectations of women in sports, and how she researches the worlds she writes about. This post contains affiliate links, through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). Highlights Where Megan got the inspiration for this story. Whether Megan feels The Turnout is her darkest book yet. How she turns off the “dark” part of her brain outside of writing. Megan’s interest in family dynamics and family entanglements. How Megan first started writing about female athletic worlds with a dark side. The pressure on young women to be perfect without seeming to exert any effort (i.e. “effortless perfection”). Whether she’d consider writing a book about figure skating. Sarah starts suggesting different sports Megan should write about next. The two old gymnastics memoirs that were big influences for Megan’s writing. Unhealthy parent / child sports relationships. How Megan researches the worlds she writes about. Megan’s trajectory towards writing more and more about adults. How Megan feels about writing for TV vs. writing books. We discuss publishers giving away too much in blurbs (especially for thrillers). Megan’s Book Recommendations [29:34] Two OLD Books She Loves In a Lonely Place by Dorothy B. Hughes | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [30:01] Passingby Nella Larsen | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [32:30] Two NEW Books She Loves Bring Your Baggage and Don’t Pack Light: Essays by Helen Ellis | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [34:47] Dream Girlby Laura Lippman | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [36:07] One Book She DIDN’T LOVE Middlemarch by George Eliot | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [43:17] One NEW RELEASE She’s Excited About The Collective by Alison Gaylin (November 2, 2021) | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [42:13] Last 5 Star Book(s) Megan Read [44:15] Luster by Raven Leilani | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [44:15] Other Books Mentioned Flowers in the Attic by V.C. Andrews [9:31] Little Girls in Pretty Boxes by Joan Ryan [17:14] Dancing on My Grave by Gelsey Kirkland [20:34] The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett [34:12] Southern Lady Code by Helen Ellis [35:45] Misery by Stephen King[36:34] Sunburn by Laura Lippman [37:46] Dracula by Bram Stoker [39:49] About Megan Instagram Megan Abbott is the Edgar-winning author of the novels The Turnout, Give Me Your Hand, You Will Know Me, The Fever, Dare Me, The End of Everything, Bury Me Deep, Queenpin, The Song Is You and Die a Little. Her writing has appeared in the New York Times, Salon, the Guardian, Wall Street Journal, the Los Angeles Times Magazine, and The Believer. Her stories have appeared in multiple collections, including the Best American Mystery Stories of 2014 and 2016. Her work has won or been nominated for the CWA Steel Dagger, the International Thriller Writers Award, the Los Angeles Times Book Prize and five Edgar awards. Formerly a staff writer on HBO’s David Simon show, The Deuce, she is now co-creator, executive producer and show-runner of Dare Me, based upon her novel, for the USA Network and, internationally, Netflix. Born in the Detroit area, she graduated from the University of Michigan and received her Ph.D. in English and American literature from New York University. She has taught at NYU, the State University of New York and the New School University. In 2013-14, she served as the John Grisham Writer in Residence at Ole Miss. She is also the author of a nonfiction book, The Street Was Mine: White Masculinity in Hardboiled Fiction and Film Noir, and the editor of A Hell of a Woman, an anthology of female crime fiction. She has been nominated for many awards, including three Edgar Awards, Hammett Prize, the Shirley Jackson Prize, the Los Angeles Times Book Prize and the Folio Prize. 

Ep. 90: Megan Abbott (Author of The Turnout)

In Episode 89, Elizabeth Barnhill (book buyer for Fabled Bookshop) goes behind-the-scenes about what it’s like to buy books for an independent bookstore. This post contains affiliate links, through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). Highlights How Elizabeth got her job as book buyer at Fabled Bookshop with no “official” previous experience (and if the owner was nervous to hire someone with no experience). The most surprising thing Elizabeth discovered about being a book buyer. What Elizabeth’s relationship with publishing sales reps looks like (including how far in advance they meet). What happens when Elizabeth ends up not liking a book she’s ordered for the store. How far in advance of publication date Elizabeth reads and orders books. How Elizabeth factors in other readers’ opinions of a book into her orders (traditional media reviews, early readers on #bookstagram, etc). How Elizabeth handles ordering in relation to trends (and her take on the trends of 2021). How Elizabeth decides how many of a particular book to order. How COVID impacted her ordering. The biggest book buy she’s ever done for a single book. How Elizabeth decides how much of each order should comprise a specific genre. What the initial book buy for Fabled looked like when it first opened. How Elizabeth decides which books to feature most prominently around the store. If she hand sells books she doesn’t personally like. Elizabeth’s Book Recommendations [30:19] Two OLD Books She Loves The Iron House by John Hart | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [30:51] All Over But the Shoutin’ by Rick Bragg | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [34:35] Two NEW Books She Loves We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [37:38] The Ride of Her Lifeby Elizabeth Letts | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [40:45] One Book She DIDN’T LOVE Mary Jane by Jessica Anya Blau | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [43:17] One NEW RELEASE She’s Excited About The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles (October 5, 2021) | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [46:24] Last 5 Star Book(s) Elizabeth Read [49:18] When the Stars Go Darkby Paula McLain | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [49:26] Other Books Mentioned The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles [11:17] The Push by Ashley Audrain [15:34] American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins [16:14] Falling by T.J. Newman [20:04] Hostage by Clare Mackintosh [20:04] How the Penguins Saved Veronica by Hazel Prior [23:02] Jesus and John Wayne by Kristin Kobes Du Mez [23:41] God Spare the Girls by Kelsey McKinney [24:24] Circe by Madeline Miller [29:14] The Unwilling by John Hart [30:55] The Hush by John Hart [33:17] The Best Cook in the World by Rick Bragg [35:16] Ava’s Man by Rick Bragg [35:16] The Prince of Frogtown by Rick Bragg [35:16] The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls [36:06] The Speckled Beauty by Rick Bragg [37:20] Finding Dorothy by Elizabeth Letts [41:08] A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles [46:42] About Elizabeth Instagram Elizabeth Barnhill is the book buyer for Fabled Bookshop and Cafe located in Waco, TX. Originally from Alabama, she has lived in Texas for most of her life. Elizabeth graduated from Baylor University and worked as a speech pathologist before landing her dream job reading books for a living when Fabled opened in 2019. Elizabeth has been married for 25 years and has three kids in high school and college. 

Ep. 89 - Behind-the-Scenes of Indie Book Buying with Elizabeth Barnhill (Fabled Bookshop)

In Episode 88, Jesse Q. Sutanto (author of Dial A for Aunties) shares her family background, how she integrated it into her novel, and her family’s reaction to the book. This post contains affiliate links, through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). Highlights Jesse’s inspiration for Dial A for Aunties. How Jesse managed to keep such an over-the-top plot out of eye-roll territory. What a typical Indonesian-Chinese wedding is like (and some things Jesse did at her own wedding). Why she included a letter to the reader explaining her personal background at the beginning of the book. Her family’s reaction to the book (given it’s partially inspired by them). If any of the real people characters in the book are based on have realized they’re “in the book.” How Jesse has 4 new books coming out next year (including a sequel to Dial A for Aunties). If Gillian Flynn has retired from writing books and how she feels about the term “domestic thriller.” Jesse’s Book Recommendations [24:12] Two OLD Books She Loves Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [25:14] And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [29:58] Two NEW Books She Loves The Girls are All So Nice Here by Laurie Elizabeth Flynn | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [33:26] The Other Black Girlby Zakiya Dalila Harris | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [35:57] One Book She DIDN’T LOVE Naked Lunch by William S. Burroughs |  Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [38:29] One NEW RELEASE She’s Excited About My Sweet Girl by Amanda Jayatissa (September 14, 2021) | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [41:26] Last 5 Star Book(s) Jesse Read [44:35] Circe by Madeline Miller | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [44:35] Other Books Mentioned Dial A for Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto [2:02] The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini [30:06] A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini [30:42] Take it Back by Kia Abdullah [43:48] About Jesse Website | Instagram Jesse grew up going back and forth between Jakarta and Singapore and consider both places my homes. She was fortunate enough to do my Masters in Creative Writing at the University of Oxford, which is surely one of the most gorgeous places in the world. She’s passionate about women’s rights and diversity in publishing. She regularly does giveaways where she critiques queries or the first few pages, and she’s especially interested in helping writers from marginalized communities.  

Ep. 88: Jesse Q Sutanto (Author of Dial A for Aunties)

In Episode 87, Tia Williams (author of Seven Days in June) shares how she wrote such a meaty romance novel and what it’s like to be an author with chronic pain.   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!). Highlights Tia’s inspiration for Seven Days in June. Whether Shane was inspired by anyone in her real life. How Tia went about writing a love story with such meat. Tia’s affection for supporting characters (and her favorite supporting character from Seven Days in June). Tia’s thoughts on an empowering kind of love (vs. the kind that makes you lose yourself). The problematic romance novels of the 1980’s. Tia’s experience pitching The Perfect Find and how it influenced her decision to include publishing industry commentary in Seven Days in June. What it’s like to be an author (and have a full-time day job) while suffering from chronic migraines. Tia’s experience talking about books while on dates. Sarah’s weirdly good luck with books by attorneys turned authors. Tia’s Book Recommendations [26:44] Two OLD Books She Loves I Don’t Want to Die Poor by Michael Arceneaux | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [27:52] Florida by Lauren Groff | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [29:17] Two NEW Books She Loves The Beauty of Living Twice by Sharon Stone | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [31:24] Brat: An 80’s Storyby Andrew McCarthy | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [33:01] Two Authors She DIDN’T LOVE Charles Bukowski | Bret Easton Ellis [35:16] One NEW RELEASE She’s Excited About Black Girls Must Die Exhausted by Jayne Allen (September 28, 2021) | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [37:40] Last 5 Star Book(s) Paula Read [40:32] Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [40:38] Other Books Mentioned The Accidental Diva by Tia Williams [1:25] It Chicks by Tia Williams [1:28] Sixteen Candles by Tia Williams [1:28] The Perfect Find by Tia Williams [1:32] Seven Days in June by Tia Williams [1:57] Carry On by Rainbow Rowell [26:46] Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell [26:46] Fates & Furies by Lauren Groff [29:30] Matrix by Lauren Groff (out September 7, 2021) [31:11] American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis [36:54] Less Than Zero by Bret Easton Ellis [36:18] Miracle Creek by Angie Kim (My Review) [38:56] The Bad Muslim Discount by Syed Masood [39:09] We Should All Be Feminsts by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie [41:02] About Tia Website | Instagram Tia began her career as a beauty editor at YM, Elle, Lucky, Glamour, and Essence. In 2004, her debut novel, The Accidental Diva hit shelves – and she went on to publish the It Chicks series and co-write Iman’s The Beauty of Color. Tia’s award-winning novel, The Perfect Find, is being adapted for a film starring Gabrielle Union for Netflix. Her latest novel, Seven Days in June (Grand Central Publishing), debuts in June 2021. Currently an Editorial Director at Estee Lauder Companies, Tia lives in Brooklyn with her daughter and her husband. 

Ep. 87: Tia Williams (Author of Seven Days in June)

I’m thrilled to share the first episode of what will be a new bonus podcast episode series for $5/mo patrons of the show. To hear these episodes every month, join the Sarah’s Bookshelves Live Patreon Community! BEYOND BOOKSTAGRAM is a bonus podcast series that highlights lesser known books that are not splashed all over Instagram (either backlist or under-the-radar newer books). A rotating featured patron shares 3 books she/he loves that are not splashed all over Bookstagram. And, I add my own commentary or research on the 3 books. This post contains affiliate links, through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). If you join our Patreon Community (sign up here!), you also get: Sarah’s monthly Book Recommendations bonus podcast episode series…where I share my own book recommendations in the same format as the big show. I often share my thoughts on books here that I don’t share anywhere else. Monthly Superlatives bonus podcast episodes…each big show guest shares their picks for 5 bookish superlative categories (and I add in my own picks for some categories via editing). Our semi-new quarterly bonus podcast episode series called BOOK PREVIEW EXTRAS! In these episodes, Catherine and I share at least 4 bonus books that we’re excited about that we did not share in the regular Preview episode.  Weekly Real-Time Reading Newsletter…I share the books I’m reading (and DNF’ing) in real time. And, patrons share their own current reads in a Facebook discussion. This is the only place I share every single book I read and DNF. June Featured Patron Kristi Phillips is a 46 year old pediatric nurse practitioner living in the Chicago suburbs. She’s the mother of 3 kids ages 6-12. She reads pretty much anything except fantasy, science fiction, romance. Her favorite genres are literary fiction, literary mystery, memoir, and true crime. A couple of her all-time favorite books are: The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai, The Heart’s Invisible Furies by John Boyne, and The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead. She doesn’t mind crying when she reads! Kristi’s Beyond Bookstagram Recommendations [3:04] Dear Child by Romy Hausmann | Amazon | Bookshop.org [6:25] Plague Years: A Doctor’s Journey Through the AIDS Crisis by Dr. Ross Slotten | Amazon | Bookshop.org [8:26] The Pull of the Stars by Emma Donoghue | Amazon | Bookshop.org [12:17] Other Books Mentioned The Great Believersby Rebecca Makkai | Buy from Amazon [5:38] The Heart’s Invisible Furiesby John Boyne | Buy from Amazon [5:48] The Prettiest Starby Carter Sickels | Buy from Amazon [6:04] Sorrow & Blissby Meg Mason | Buy from Amazon [6:04] Last Callby Elon Green | Buy from Amazon [6:04] Who is Maud Dixon?by Alexandra Andrews | Buy from Amazon [6:04] Casteby Isabel Wilkerson | Buy from Amazon [6:04] The Dreamersby Karen Thompson Walker | Buy from Amazon [13:49] The Age of Miraclesby Karen Thompson Walker | Buy from Amazon [13:49] Station Elevenby Emily St. John Mandel | Buy from Amazon [13:49] The Glass Hotelby Emily St. John Mandel | Buy from Amazon [13:49] 

BONUS SNEAK PEEK: Beyond Bookstagram (June 2021)

Catherine and I share our most anticipated books coming out June – July 2021. This post contains affiliate links, through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). Announcements Join our Patreon Community ($5/mo) to get (get more details about all the goodies available to our patrons and sign up here!): Our new monthly bonus podcast episode series called BEYOND BOOKSTAGRAM where a featured patron shares 3 books she/he loves that are not splashed all over Bookstagram. Our semi-new quarterly bonus podcast episode series called Book Preview Extras! In these episodes, Catherine and I share at least 4 bonus books that we’re excited about that we did not share in the regular Preview episode.  Highlights Sarah’s and Catherine’s #1 Summer book picks. Summer 2021 Book Preview [5:57] June Sarah’s Picks: Ace of Spades by Faridah Abike Iyimide (June 1) | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [7:17]  One Last Stopby Casey McQuiston (June 1) | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [13:12]  Catherine’s Picks: One, Two, Threeby Laurie Frankel (June 8) | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [10:12] God Spare the Girls by Kelsey McKinney (June 22) | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [16:42]  The Secret Keeper of Jaipur by Alka Joshi (June 22) | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [23:23]  July Sarah’s Picks: Falling by T.J. Newman (July 6) | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [19:43] Embassy Wife by Katie Crouch (July 13) | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [27:17] Intimacies by Katie Kitamura (July 20) | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [33:16] The Second Season by Emily Adrian (July 27) | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [40:58] Catherine’s Picks: The Husbands by Chandler Baker (August 3 – NEW PUBLICATION DATE) | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [30:29] Dear Miss Metropolitan by Carolyn Ferrell (July 6) | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [36:27] The Startup Wife by Thamima Anam (July 13) | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [45:00] Other Books Mentioned Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid | Buy from Amazon [6:42] Seven Days in June by Tia Williams | Buy from Amazon [6:42] The Takedown by Corrie Wang | Buy from Amazon [9:12] All Girls by Emily Layden | Buy from Amazon [9:17] This is How it Always Is by Laurie Frankel (My Review) | Buy from Amazon [10:15] Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston | Buy from Amazon [13:39] The Book of Essie by Meghan MacLean Weir (My Review) | Buy from Amazon [18:07] Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson | Buy from Amazon [19:19] The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi | Buy from Amazon [23:44]  Girls in Trucks by Katie Crouch | Buy from Amazon [27:50] What Could Be Saved by Liese O’Halloran Schwarz (My Review) | Buy from Amazon [28:39] The Expatriates by Janice Y.K. Lee (My Review) | Buy from Amazon [28:39] Abroad by Katie Crouch | Buy from Amazon [29:36] Whisper Network by Chandler Baker | Buy from Amazon [31:56] A Separation by Katie Kitamura (My Review) | Buy from Amazon [34:14] Room by Emma Donoghue | Buy from Amazon [39:27] The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead (My Review) | Buy from Amazon [39:27] An Untamed State by Roxane Gay (My Review) | Buy from Amazon [39:54] Charlotte Walsh Likes to Win by Jo Piazza | Buy from Amazon [44:27] About Catherine Gilmore Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Catherine started The Gilmore Guide to Books over 6 years ago after wrapping up a career as a corporate librarian. She loves books and reading (surprise!) and currently lives in Ann Arbor, MI.

Ep. 86: Summer 2021 Book Preview (with @gilmoreguide)

In the Spring 2021 Book Preview (Ep. 80), Catherine and I shared our most anticipated books coming out April – May 2021. But, we often haven’t read the books we share in the Preview Episodes. So, in this new series, we will “circle back” to update you on all the books we presented in the previous season’s Book Preview now that we’ve at least attempted to read them. This post contains affiliate links, through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). Announcement Join our Patreon Community ($5/mo) to get our new bonus podcast episode series called Book Preview Extras! In these episodes, Catherine and I share at least 4 bonus books (we’re sharing 5 this month) that we’re excited about that we did not share in the regular Preview episode. Get more details about all the goodies available to our patrons and sign up here! Highlights Sarah’s and Catherine’s success rates from the Spring Preview. Our Best and Worst picks from the Spring 2021 Preview episode. Which mythological character the characters in Olympus, Texas correlated to. Spring 2021 Books We Had Already Read When We Recorded the Preview [5:42] Sarah’s Picks: What Comes After by JoAnne Tompkins | Buy from Amazon [5:42]  When the Stars Go Darkby Paula McLain | Buy from Amazon [5:57]  Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid | Buy from Amazon [6:05] Circling Back: Spring 2021 Books [5:42] April Sarah’s Picks: Sure, I’ll Be Your Black Friend by Ben Phillipe | Buy from Amazon [12:12]  Catherine’s Picks: The Bohemiansby Jasmin Darznik | Buy from Amazon [7:25] Good Company by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney | Buy from Amazon [16:07]  Early Morning Riser by Katherine Heiny | Buy from Amazon [20:33]  May Sarah’s Picks: Olympus, Texas by Stacey Swann | Buy from Amazon [29:15] Catherine’s Picks: Ariadne by Jennifer Saint | Buy from Amazon [25:49] The First Day of Spring by Nancy Tucker | Buy from Amazon [35:32] Where the Grass is Green and the Girls are Pretty by Lauren Weisberger | Buy from Amazon [44:49] June 1 Sarah’s Pick: Seven Days in June by Tia Williams | Buy from Amazon [40:47] Other Books Mentioned Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Manby Emmanuel Acho | Buy from Amazon [14:57] Standard Deviation by Katherine Heiny (My Review) | Buy from Amazon [22:33]  Anxious People by Fredrick Backman | Buy from Amazon [22:58]  The Pushby Ashley Audrain (My Review) | Buy from Amazon [39:39] One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London (My Review) | Buy from Amazon [42:33]  Other Links Guest appearance on 10 Things to Tell You  About Catherine Gilmore Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Catherine started The Gilmore Guide to Books over 6 years ago after wrapping up a career as a corporate librarian. She loves books and reading (surprise!) and currently lives in Ann Arbor, MI.

Ep. 85: Circling Back to Spring 2021 Preview Books (with @gilmoreguide)

In Episode 84, Paula McLain (author of When the Stars Go Dark) shares why decided to break from her previous style now, how nervous she was through the publication process, and her research into childhood trauma. This post contains affiliate links, through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). Highlights Why Paula decided to break from her historical fiction roots at this particular time in her career. Paula’s writing style and how it works with suspense. The point in Paula’s process where she figured out When the Stars Go Dark would contain so much of her personal history. Paula’s writing process and if it changed with When the Stars Go Dark given it was such a different kind of book than her previous work. How nervous Paula was to take this leap at different stages of the publication process.  How Paula normally pitches new books to her publisher at this stage of her career…and how she had to pitch When the Stars Go Dark differently. Paula’s research into childhood trauma for this book. A bit of detail behind the concept of the “bat signal” from When the Stars Go Dark. Paula’s personal reading habits and how she reads while working on a new book. Paula’s Book Recommendations [28:42] Two OLD Books She Loves Longbourn by Jo Baker | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [28:58] The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [31:03] Two NEW Books She Loves Between Two Kingdoms by Suleika Jaouad | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [35:21] Festival Daysby Jo Ann Beard | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [38:35] One Book She DIDN’T LOVE A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court by Mark Twain | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org  [41:19] One NEW RELEASE She’s Excited About Harlem Shuffle by Colson Whitehead (September 14, 2021) | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [44:30] Last 5 Star Book(s) Paula Read [45:40] The Christie Affair by Nina de Gramont (February 1, 2022) | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [45:40] Other Books Mentioned Like Family by Paula McLain | Buy from Amazon [1:30] When the Stars Go Darkby Paula McLain | Buy from Amazon [2:26] Love and Ruinby Paula McLain | Buy from Amazon [4:57] The Lovely Bonesby Alice Sebold | Buy from Amazon [8:16] Circling the Sunby Paula McLain (My Review) | Buy from Amazon [12:43] The Paris Wifeby Paula McLain | Buy from Amazon [13:19] The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel A. van der Kolk | Buy from Amazon [17:56] Fear Lessby Pippa Grange | Buy from Amazon [28:13] Sea Wife by Amity Gaige (My Review) | Buy from Amazon [34:30] The Boys of My Youthby Jo Ann Beard | Buy from Amazon [38:46] Other Links “Why I Took a Vow of Celibacy” by Paula McLain, New York Times About Paula Website | Instagram Paula McLain is the author of the New York Times bestselling novels, The Paris Wife, Circling the Sun, and Love and Ruin. On April 13th, 2021 she introduces her latest title, When the Stars Go Dark. Paula McLain was born in Fresno, California in 1965. After being abandoned by both parents, she and her two sisters became wards of the California Court System, moving in and out of various foster homes for the next fourteen years. When she aged out of the system, she supported herself by working as a nurses aid in a convalescent hospital, a pizza delivery girl, an auto-plant worker, a cocktail waitress–before discovering she could (and very much wanted to) write. She received her MFA in poetry from the University of Michigan in 1996. She is the author of The Paris Wife, a New York Times and international bestseller, which has been published in thirty-four languages. The recipient of fellowships from Yaddo, The MacDowell Colony, the Cleveland Arts Prize, the Ohio Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts, she is also the author of two collections of poetry; a memoir, Like Family, Growing up in Other People’s Houses; and a first novel, A Ticket to Ride. She lives with her family in Cleveland. 

Ep. 84: Paula McLain (Author of When the Stars Go Dark)

Sarah’s Bookshelves Live is a weekly show featuring real talk about books and book recommendations from a featured guest. Each week, Sarah of the blog Sarah’s Bookshelves will talk with her guest about: - 2 OLD BOOKS THEY LOVE - 2 NEW BOOKS THEY LOVE - 1 BOOK THEY DON’T LOVE - AND 1 NEW RELEASE THEY’RE EXCITED ABOUT I’m getting real about all things books and serving you up a bit of snark on the side.

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