From the Front Porch: Episode 519 || New Release Rundown: March
Release Date: March 6, 2025
Host: Annie Jones
Guests: Olivia (Operations Manager), Erin (Online Sales Manager)
Produced by: The Bookshelf Thomasville
Introduction
Annie Jones warmly welcomes listeners to From the Front Porch, a conversational podcast dedicated to books, small business, and Southern life, produced by The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in Thomasville, Georgia. She introduces Olivia and Erin, the show's regular contributors, setting the stage for an engaging discussion of the favorite new book releases for March.
Featured Books for March
The trio delves into a diverse selection of nine books, spanning genres from historical and climate fiction to middle-grade novels and adult mysteries. Each host presents their picks, offering detailed summaries, personal insights, and notable aspects of each book.
1. One Good Thing by Georgia Hunter
Timestamp: [03:32]
Annie Jones highlights One Good Thing, a new release by Georgia Hunter, renowned for her meticulously researched historical fiction. Set in 1941 Italy during World War II, the novel follows best friends Lily and Esti as they navigate Mussolini's oppressive racial laws targeting their Jewish lineage. As Germany invades northern Italy, the women flee to a convent in Florence, posing as nuns and aiding the underground resistance by forging false papers.
Annie Jones [03:50]: "Georgia Hunter really based We Were the Lucky Ones on her own personal family story... One Good Thing feels like a real departure for me."
The book intertwines thriller elements with deep historical context, drawing comparisons to My Brilliant Friend for its rich narrative.
2. City of Lost Cats by Tanya Lloyd Kai
Timestamp: [06:23]
Olivia introduces City of Lost Cats, a charming middle-grade novel released on March 4th. The story centers on Fiona, a young girl who despises ballet and runs away to an abandoned house brimming with territorial cats. As Fiona bonds with the feline residents, she discovers the building is slated for demolition by developers, prompting her to rally the cats to save their home.
Olivia [07:43]: "Fiona pretends to run away and finds a house filled with cats... it's so delightfully fun."
The book blends humor and heart, appealing to fans of whimsical tales like Sarah Pennypacker's works.
3. Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaughey
Timestamp: [10:12]
Erin discusses Wild Dark Shore, a captivating novel recently released. Set on the remote island of Shearwater, the story follows Dominic Salt, a widower, and his three children as they manage a seed bank amidst rising sea levels—a subtle nod to climate fiction. The arrival of a mysterious woman, Rowan, introduces suspense as secrets unfold, blending elements of nature writing with thrilling mystery.
Erin [10:40]: "Dominic is suspicious of Rowan... we spend the whole time trying to decide if Dominic is hiding something."
The book excels in world-building, immersing readers in the island's stark beauty and underlying tensions.
4. The Antidote by Karen Russell
Timestamp: [16:09]
Annie Jones previews The Antidote, releasing on March 11th. Karen Russell, known for her unique storytelling in Swamplandia! and Vampires in the Lemon Grove, ventures into historical and climate fiction set during the Dust Bowl era. The novel introduces five characters in the small town of UZ, Nebraska, each grappling with personal and environmental challenges.
Annie Jones [16:48]: "There's a prairie witch whose body stores people's memories and secrets... this feels like a Wizard of Oz inspired vibe."
The book promises a blend of magical realism and poignant commentary on history and climate change, receiving stellar reviews from Publishers Weekly and Kirkus.
5. Once for Yes by Ally Millington
Timestamp: [20:08]
Olivia shares her enthusiasm for Once for Yes, a middle-grade novel by Ally Millington set to release on March 25th. The story revolves around Prue, a young girl mourning her sister Lena's accidental death. As the apartment building, Odenburg, faces demolition, Prue seeks to save it to preserve Lena's memory, encountering mysterious elements and forming new friendships.
Olivia [22:54]: "There are two parakeets who accidentally end up in the house... it's such a sweet and heartwarming story."
Millington adeptly combines grief with magical elements, creating a narrative that is both sad and hopeful.
6. Jane and Dan at the End of the World by Colleen Oakley
Timestamp: [24:23]
Erin introduces Jane and Dan at the End of the World, releasing on March 11th. This novel blends romantic comedy with thriller elements as Jane and Dan, celebrating their 19th wedding anniversary at an exclusive California restaurant, face a terrorist takeover. Amidst the chaos, Jane realizes the situation mirrors her unpublished thriller novel, adding layers of suspense and humor.
Erin [24:17]: "It's a great mix... it's not just a thriller, it's not a rom-com, but something sort of in between."
The book offers a dynamic interplay between marital strife and high-stakes action, reminiscent of the film Game Night.
7. Tilt by Emma Patty
Timestamp: [28:23]
Annie Jones recounts her experience with Tilt by Emma Patty, a compelling climate fiction novel. Following Annie, a nine-months-pregnant woman in the Pacific Northwest, the story escalates from a domestic quest for a baby crib to a harrowing journey through a post-apocalyptic landscape after an earthquake devastates her city.
Annie Jones [31:14]: "Annie is trying to survive to go find her husband across town because he is in a different part of town... it's a great plot-driven read."
Patty masterfully balances intense survival scenarios with deep character exploration, making Tilt a gripping read.
8. The Other People by CB Everett
Timestamp: [33:08]
Olivia reviews The Other People, an adult locked-room mystery releasing on March 25th. The novel traps ten strangers in a mansion, tasked with solving the kidnapping of a girl named Claire under strict time constraints. As tensions rise, secrets and dark motives emerge, culminating in a shocking plot twist.
Olivia [35:32]: "There are murders abound... if you're like an essay Cosby reader, if you can handle that kind of... every single page is maybe will have a trigger in it, then go for it."
The book is noted for its fast-paced narrative and complex character dynamics, appealing to fans of intense mysteries.
9. Early 30s by Josh Duboff
Timestamp: [39:21]
Erin discusses Early 30s by Josh Duboff, due on March 18th. The novel explores the tumultuous lives of Zoe and Victor, longtime friends grappling with the angst of their early thirties. Through various perspectives, the story delves into themes like marriage, career dissatisfaction, and personal loss, capturing the essence of adult friendships strained by life's challenges.
Erin [43:15]: "I love watching their friendship. I love seeing how it develops and changes throughout each stage of their life."
While some secondary characters lack depth, the central focus on Zoe and Victor's relationship offers a relatable and introspective narrative.
Current Reads and Final Thoughts
Towards the end of the episode, Annie, Olivia, and Erin briefly share their current readings, including Girls Who Grew Big by Leila Motley, Is Not a Game by Kelly Mullen, and I've Got Questions by Erin Hicksmoon. They encourage listeners to explore these selections and support their independent bookstore through purchases and Patreon.
Annie Jones [44:09]: "Please keep in mind that Aaron has made browsing the podcast book selection super easy... use Code New Release please at checkout for 10% off."
Supporting From the Front Porch
Listeners are invited to support From the Front Porch by leaving reviews on Apple Podcasts and joining their Patreon community for exclusive benefits. The hosts express gratitude towards their executive producers and encourage ongoing support to sustain the independent bookstore.
Note: For a complete list of featured books and to make purchases, visit bookshelfthomasville.com and search for Episode 519.
This summary captures the essence of Episode 519, highlighting key discussions and insights into the new book releases for March, complete with notable quotes and timestamps for reference.