From the Front Porch: Episode 502 || November New Release Rundown
Release Date: November 7, 2024
Produced by The Bookshelf Thomasville
Introduction
In Episode 502 of From the Front Porch, hosted by Annie Jones of The Bookshelf in Thomasville, Georgia, listeners are treated to an engaging November New Release Rundown. Joined by Operations Manager Olivia and Online Sales Manager Aaron, the trio delves into a curated selection of November’s most anticipated books, spanning various genres to cater to a diverse audience.
Episode Overview
Annie begins by acknowledging that this is the final New Release Rundown for the year, signaling a temporary pause as the team shifts focus to managing the bookstore’s operations during the bustling December season. She mentions, “May this be a burden lifted from your shoulders today” (04:00)—highlighting the relief of wrapping up the series.
Upcoming November Releases
1. Lazarus Man by Richard Price
Annie introduces Lazarus Man, a compelling novel set in Harlem in 2008. She describes it as a character-driven study inspired by Richard Price’s experience writing for The Wire. The story revolves around a building collapse affecting various characters, from a funeral homeowner to a city detective, providing a multifaceted exploration of community and chaos.
Notable Quote:
Annie reflects, “I think Richard Price has written about Harlem and the different people and the impact of the building collapse on them” (08:00).
2. All the Best Dogs by Emily Jenkins
Aaron presents All the Best Dogs, a middle-grade book celebrating the bond between children and their pets. The narrative follows a group of kids united by their love for the same dog park, which becomes the focal point when one dog goes missing, bringing the community together.
Notable Quote:
Aaron shares his enthusiasm: “It’s really cute. It was just adorable” (15:54).
3. Shy Creatures by Claire Chambers
Olivia spotlights Shy Creatures, a literary fiction mystery set in 1964 England. The protagonist, Helen Hansford, an art therapist, becomes entwined in unraveling the mystery behind a man’s sudden appearance at an old home, blending personal drama with suspense.
Notable Quote:
Olivia emphasizes the book’s appeal: “It was a page-turner, which is not usual for sort of what I would call literary fiction with a mystery” (17:03).
4. Heartbreak is the National Anthem by Rob Sheffield
Annie discusses Heartbreak is the National Anthem, a biography of Taylor Swift by Rolling Stone journalist Rob Sheffield. The book delves into Swift’s music career, drawing comparisons to Paul McCartney, and explores her evolution as an artist.
Notable Quote:
Annie candidly states, “It’s going to be super interesting for music fans. Whether you’re a Taylor fan or not” (21:41).
5. Pictures of You by Emma Gray
Emma Gray’s Pictures of You is featured as a second-chance romance set in Australia. The story follows Evie, who wakes up with memory loss after a car crash that killed her husband, and photographer Drew, who helps her uncover the truth about her past.
Notable Quote:
Annie describes the emotional depth: “It sounds like... the kind of book that makes you, the reader, also start to unpack maybe your own decisions” (38:00).
6. Deadly Animals by Marie Tierney
Aaron introduces Deadly Animals, a dark debut novel centered around Ava Bonnie, a 14-year-old girl obsessed with animal decomposition. The plot thickens when she uncovers troubling events in her small town, blending psychological depth with suspense.
Notable Quote:
Aaron shares his intrigue: “The writing is so, so good. I’m hooked” (43:38).
7. Time of the Child by Niall Williams
Olivia highlights Time of the Child, a women’s fiction novel set in the Irish town of Faja. The story focuses on Ronnie, a woman grappling with her past and newfound responsibility after finding an abandoned baby, intertwining themes of second chances and community.
Notable Quote:
Olivia notes the book’s reflective quality: “It’s about second chances, about getting a new chance at a different life” (46:57).
Personal Anecdotes and Discussions
Throughout the episode, the hosts engage in lighthearted and personal conversations, sharing their own reading preferences and experiences. A notable segment includes Aaron discussing his anxiety during a Taylor Swift concert and Annie reflecting on her reading habits:
Notable Quote:
Annie humorously muses, “I could buy this for this person and they would really like it” (28:37).
Supporting The Bookshelf
Annie emphasizes the importance of supporting From the Front Porch and The Bookshelf through Patreon and purchasing recommendations. She encourages listeners to visit bookshelfthomasville.com, use the code NEWreleasePlease for discounts, and engage with their Instagram for live events and updates.
Notable Quote:
Annie highlights their community focus: “You are helping keep our indie bookstore in business” (00:21).
Conclusion
Wrapping up the episode, the hosts reiterate the diverse selection of November’s new releases, catering to various tastes from middle-grade adventures to adult mysteries and biographies. They encourage listeners to explore these books, offering personalized recommendations and sharing their excitement for the upcoming reads.
Notable Quote:
Aaron concludes enthusiastically, “We really contain multitudes” (54:29).
Connect with The Bookshelf Thomasville:
- Instagram: @bookshelftville
- Website: bookshelftville.com
- Patreon: patreon.com/fromthefrontporch
- Transcript: from the frontporchpodcast.com
Special Thanks:
Studio D Podcast Production and the executive producers Kami Tidwell, Chantal Carle, Kate O'Connell, Kristin May, Linda Lee Drost Jean Queens, Amanda Wick, Martha Stacy Lau, Chance Combs, Stephanie Dean, Ashley Farrell, Nicole Marcy, Wendy Jenkins, Corey Johnson, and Susan Mulings.
Whether you're a dedicated bookworm or a casual reader, Episode 502 of From the Front Porch offers insightful recommendations and heartfelt discussions to enrich your November reading list.