Episode 520 || What Would Susie Read?

Summary

Podcast Summary: From the Front Porch – Episode 520: "What Would Susie Read?"

Release Date: March 13, 2025
Host: Annie Jones, Owner of The Bookshelf, Thomasville, Georgia
Guest: Susie Butterworth, Annie’s mother

---

Introduction

In Episode 520 of "From the Front Porch," host Annie Jones welcomes her beloved mother, Susie Butterworth, back to the show to discuss a curated selection of books tailored for readers with PG-13 tastes. The episode delves into a diverse array of literary genres, including historical fiction, contemporary tales, and heartwarming narratives, all chosen to align with Susie's preference for stories with reduced language, violence, and sexual content.

Book Discussions

1. The Sunflower House by Adriana Allegri

Synopsis:
The Sunflower House is a historical fiction novel set during World War II. It portrays the transformation of a house into a sanctuary for soldiers, featuring Aryan women who entertain visiting soldiers. The narrative intertwines themes of love, sacrifice, and resilience against the backdrop of wartime turmoil.

Discussion Highlights:

• Susie expresses initial hesitation due to the book's graphic wartime descriptions but acknowledges its profound storytelling.
• Annie likens the book to "The Handmaid's Tale" set against World War II, highlighting its dark and compelling nature.

Notable Quote:

"It's the Handmaid's Tale set against World War II. [...] It's dark."
— Susie Butterworth [06:01]

2. The Time of the Child by Niall Williams

Synopsis:
Set in winter on an Irish island, this novel follows a doctor and his adult daughter, Ronnie, as they navigate life in a small village. The story takes a heartwarming turn when Ronnie discovers a baby left at their doorstep, leading to themes of love, secrecy, and community.

Discussion Highlights:

• Susie praises the book's slow-paced, descriptive narrative, recommending it as a perfect escape from the world's chaos.
• Annie reflects on how fiction can offer a safe space to engage with complex emotions and scenarios.

Notable Quote:

"It's just a warm, touching story about Ronnie who didn't marry her first love, so she stayed at home and never married. And how she falls in love with and cares for this baby."
— Susie Butterworth [12:20]

3. Ordinary Time by Annie B. Jones

Synopsis:
An introspective collection of essays, Ordinary Time explores themes such as friendship, spiritual growth, and life in a small town. Annie B. Jones delves into personal experiences, offering insights into maintaining relationships and finding joy in everyday moments.

Discussion Highlights:

• Susie commends her daughter’s writing, emphasizing the book's universal appeal despite its specific focus on faith and small-town life.
• The conversation touches on the importance of self-care and embracing one’s true self.

Notable Quote:

"If you weren't my daughter and I picked up that book, my mothering instincts would still kick in. I know how she feels about this."
— Susie Butterworth [15:46]

4. The Story She Left Behind by Patty Callahan Henry

Synopsis:
This historical fiction novel alternates between South Carolina and London, following a young mother whose own mother mysteriously disappears. The protagonist uncovers secrets and unravels her family's past, blending elements of mystery and rich descriptive storytelling.

Discussion Highlights:

• Susie admires Patty Callahan Henry's ability to create immersive settings, likening her books to potential movie adaptations.
• The narrative's dual settings and generational storytelling are highlighted as standout features.

Notable Quote:

"Her covers are beautiful. [...] I flew through it. It was so good."
— Susie Butterworth [29:55]

5. What Happened to the McCraes

Synopsis:
A contemporary fiction piece that delves into the life of a seemingly perfect couple experiencing a sudden divorce. The story unravels the complexities behind their separation, set within the intimate confines of a small town where everyone knows each other's business.

Discussion Highlights:

• Susie notes the book's portrayal of dysfunctional family dynamics and the challenges of maintaining privacy in a tight-knit community.
• The narrative’s exploration of personal struggles and redemption resonates deeply with both host and guest.

Notable Quote:

"It's redemptive. [...] It comes all back together and you learn a lot about what happened to them."
— Susie Butterworth [38:20]

6. Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins

Synopsis:
Let Them Theory is a self-help book that emphasizes the importance of letting go and focusing on self-improvement. Mel Robbins offers practical advice on embracing individuality, fostering healthy relationships, and overcoming personal obstacles.

Discussion Highlights:

• Susie appreciates the book’s straightforward, common-sense approach to personal growth, despite its simplistic premise.
• The effectiveness of repetitive reinforcement in internalizing positive behaviors is discussed.

Notable Quote:

"She has taken this... she's interviewed enough people, she's lived enough life to know we have to hear it over and over."
— Susie Butterworth [44:16]

7. A Separate Peace by John Knowles

Synopsis:
A classic novel set in a New England boarding school during World War II, A Separate Peace explores the intense friendship between two boys, one a brainiac and the other a charming jock. The story delves into themes of jealousy, identity, and the loss of innocence.

Discussion Highlights:

• Susie expresses surprise and delight at reading this classic, highlighting its emotional depth and portrayal of male friendship.
• Annie emphasizes the rarity and beauty of narratives focusing on male bonds.

Notable Quote:

"We never hear of male friendships. [...] It is a love story."
— Susie Butterworth [41:33]

Insights and Reflections

Throughout the episode, Annie and Susie engage in heartfelt discussions about the selected books, emphasizing the importance of diverse narratives that cater to various tastes while maintaining a PG-13 standard. They explore how stories can provide solace, inspiration, and reflection, especially in challenging times.

Notable Quote:

"If you can't stop and slow down a little bit just to really enjoy this. It's sad. And this will help you do that."
— Susie Butterworth [10:31]

Shelf Subscription and Recommendations

Annie highlights the bookstore's evolving shelf subscription program, which now features rotating selections from different staff members, including Susie. This change allows for a broader range of book choices, including backlist titles and new releases, catering to the eclectic tastes of their patrons.

Notable Quote:

"Healthcare and faith are similar because it's an inward searching."
— Annie Jones [18:11]

Additionally, Susie shares her latest reads and upcoming recommendations, encouraging listeners to explore the bookstore’s curated selections through their website and take advantage of special discounts.

Conclusion

Episode 520 of "From the Front Porch" offers a rich exploration of thoughtfully selected books that resonate with readers seeking meaningful and engaging stories without explicit content. Through Annie and Susie’s insightful conversations, listeners are introduced to a variety of genres and narratives that celebrate resilience, love, and personal growth.

---

Additional Information:

• Upcoming Event: Patty Callahan Henry will be visiting The Bookshelf on April 8th.
• Current Reads: Annie is reading Broken Country by Claire Leslie Hall, while Susie is diving into Beach House Rules by Christy Woodson Harvey.
• Support the Podcast: Listeners are encouraged to leave reviews on Apple Podcasts or support through Patreon for exclusive benefits.

For more details and to purchase any of the discussed books, visit bookshelfthomasville.com and navigate to the “Suzy Reads” section or use the code shopmomselects for a 10% discount on Susie’s selections.

Transcript

[Annie Jones]

Your message amplified. Ready to share your message with the world?

[Susie Butterworth]

Start your podcast journey with Podbean.

[Annie Jones]

Podbean Podbean Podbean Podbean the AI powered all in one podcast platform.

[Susie Butterworth]

Thousands of businesses and enterprises trust Podbean to launch their podcasts.

[Annie Jones]

Launch your podcast on podbean today.

[Susie Butterworth]

My school uses Podbean. My church too.

[Annie Jones]

I love it. I really do. Welcome to from the Front Porch, a conversational podcast about books, small business and life in the South. The doctor had lived long enough to understand that in an island country, sideways was the way all stories wanted to go roundabouts, the native way of getting anywhere, and that there was a good reason there was no straight road in the parish. Niall Williams Time of the Child I'm Annie Jones, owner of the Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in beautiful downtown Thomasville, Georgia, and this week I'm finally back talking to my mom, a beloved guest, about books for readers with PG 13 tastes. Before we get started, a thank you to everyone who has left a review for from the Front Porch. Itunes Reviews and ratings are how new listeners can best find out about from the Front Porch and as a result, find out about our indie bookstore too. Here's a recent review. My first time hearing your podcast was in February 2024 in San Antonio, Texas. I fell asleep to it, but heard over half the episode. The rest I listened to was the following day. I love your book suggestions, your personal life recap, and the relaxing vibe of the podcast. I've listened weekly since then, shared your podcast and Instagram with my book club, and bought recommended books online per your recommendations. I'm in Oregon but hope to come to your store someday and meet you. I rely on your podcast to comfort me weekly. Thank you for your recommendations and your comforting conversations with your employees. I love them all. Your parents also give me warm hugs when you have them on the show. Well, you're in luck today because one of my parents is back on the show. Thank you so much. If you have not left a review, all you have to do is open up the podcast app on your phone. Look for from the Front Porch, scroll down until you see, write a review and then tell us what you think. Your reviews help us spread the word not only about the podcast, but about our brick and mortar business too. Now back to the show. Hi Mom.

[Susie Butterworth]

Hi Aunie Sue.

[Annie Jones]

Welcome back.

[Susie Butterworth]

Oh it's so good to be here.

[Annie Jones]

It's been a minute.

[Susie Butterworth]

It's been a long time.

[Annie Jones]

I didn't even realize it. No offense. Cause we see each other all the time I know. And so I didn't realize it, but I did get a DM the other day that said, please, when is your mom gonna be back on the podcast? Because I think they were looking specifically for some PG13 type reads. And I thought, well, you're in luck. She's coming back on in just a couple weeks. But it was. The last you were on was in.

[Susie Butterworth]

July, which I cannot believe. No, a lot has happened since last July.

[Annie Jones]

Yes, a lot has happened since last July.

[Susie Butterworth]

And I've read a lot of books since, so I couldn't bring all of them.

[Annie Jones]

You had to narrow it down.

[Susie Butterworth]

I did.

[Annie Jones]

So if you are new, if you're a new listener to. From the front porch. My mom comes on the show every so often, typically a little bit more than July, to whatever it is now March. But she comes on and talks about redemptive stories, stories that maybe are for readers who are looking for a little less language, violence, and sex.

[Susie Butterworth]

Yes.

[Annie Jones]

Doesn't mean those books. These books don't have those things, but maybe a little bit less. So you can also go back and listen to the archives. You can hear mom on episodes 3984-164334-47468, and 485. You've been on quite a bit. So all of those episodes are linked in the show notes. And so if you're new and you like what you hear today, you can go back and listen to mom on previous episodes. We have quite a list to work through today.

[Susie Butterworth]

We do. And I like to come because I think I read books that you don't read.

[Annie Jones]

You do. That's something I am excited to talk about. There's a couple of these. Cause there's one I have on my list that I would really love to read. And then there's one I had no idea you read. And I can't wait to talk to you about it.

[Susie Butterworth]

Ooh.

[Annie Jones]

So what do you have first?

[Susie Butterworth]

Okay. First up is the Sunflower House. Oh, it's the most beautiful cover. It's a beautiful book.

[Annie Jones]

It is beautiful.

[Susie Butterworth]

And I was gonna use it as a shelf subscription at the end of last year, but I felt in the end it was a little bit too graphic. It is a World War II story. I still loved it, but it's hard reading. And so sometimes when you're really picking for a group of people that wants less harsh, or sometimes it's reality, but you don't really want to read it, I had to pick something else, which I love. What I picked PS but this was my runner up.

[Annie Jones]

Okay.

[Susie Butterworth]

And it's an excellent book based on a true story. It's historical fiction, but it is based on a true story. It's by Adriana Allegri, and it's about us. A house in World War II that was converted into a place. Hello. A place where soldiers could come. It was full of pretty Aryan women who the soldiers could come and have visits with.

[Annie Jones]

Yes, visits. Okay. I see on purpose why you were hesitant.

[Susie Butterworth]

Yes, it's on purpose. To reproducing. More perfect blonde.

[Annie Jones]

Wow, mom, look at you go. The back of this. I see. Describes it as the Handmaid's Tale set against World War II. Mom.

[Susie Butterworth]

So that's.

[Annie Jones]

That's dark.

[Susie Butterworth]

It is, but it was so. It's weird to me. I can read something like this and it's hard. It's harsh because the. The lady that's retelling it, her daughter found her secret notes and stuff written in a floorboard. And her mother's in the hospital, I think, and she's older.

[Annie Jones]

This is all in the book?

[Susie Butterworth]

Yes, it's all in the book. And the daughter never, never knew what her mother had been through. Now, her mother was one of the lucky ones. She met a soldier. And this has been out, so I can talk about it a little bit. She met a soldier that was. I can't remember if he was German or from. I think he was from somewhere else. But recruited because he was so smart. Doctor. So smart. Into the German, the Third Reicht. And so he was a high ranking official. And he took notice of her, but he adored her and respected her. And together they worked to educate the little children that were being born. And then she discovered a bunch of children who weren't perfect that were stuffed in a hidden room. And they found them together. And he helped smuggle people. They helped smuggle people out.

[Annie Jones]

Wow.

[Susie Butterworth]

It's amazing. It's an amazing story.

[Annie Jones]

And you said it's based on a true story.

[Susie Butterworth]

Yes, because there really was a Sunflower House. And I'm saying this because oddly, this makes no sense to me, but oddly, I can read this. And it's hard. Better than I can listen to our current news.

[Annie Jones]

Well, no, that makes a lot of sense. I think a lot of people are like that. The reality is historical fiction. Just like when you read the Women last year. That's not an easy book. No, but I think it can then affect how we interpret the. The news. And you aren't reading this right now. You read it in November.

[Susie Butterworth]

I read it in November. Which was still.

[Annie Jones]

Yeah.

[Susie Butterworth]

But I think another thing is when you read something like this, we remember we made it. Yes, we did it.

[Annie Jones]

Yes.

[Susie Butterworth]

We made it through.

[Annie Jones]

Yes. And even though this is based in truth, it's still fiction. And I always say that fiction is a great way to learn about things that maybe we wouldn't feel comfortable reading about if it were nonfiction. There's something about fiction that makes it feel. I don't know, makes our brains feel a little safer.

[Susie Butterworth]

Even though, you know it's based on truth.

[Annie Jones]

Right.

[Susie Butterworth]

It's still.

[Annie Jones]

Yeah, yeah. So, okay. That sounds really good.

[Susie Butterworth]

And it was a good book.

[Annie Jones]

I did not know about that one, I think, because I do keep up with your shelf subscriptions. But you picked something else.

[Susie Butterworth]

Yes, I do.

[Annie Jones]

So I didn't know that that was one you had read. I think a lot of customers will really like that. So that was the Sunflower House.

[Susie Butterworth]

I actually think they would like it. Yeah, I really do. And it's.

[Annie Jones]

And it is a beautiful and a little bit different. We joke on the podcast a lot about. And I don't mean to be disparaging about it, but we joke just about how much historical fiction is World War II.

[Susie Butterworth]

Yeah.

[Annie Jones]

But that sounds like kind of a different side of the history.

[Susie Butterworth]

It was.

[Annie Jones]

Than we might normally read.

[Susie Butterworth]

It was very different. And it ends well.

[Annie Jones]

So, yeah, okay.

[Susie Butterworth]

People will enjoy it. So what I did choose for my was I. I can't remember if I was November or December.

[Annie Jones]

You were December, which is always tough.

[Susie Butterworth]

Yes. So this is called the Time of the Child by Niall Williams.

[Annie Jones]

I'm excited to hear you talk about this because I would love to read this.

[Susie Butterworth]

Okay. Well, you should. But you should know, speed reading Maniac, that you have to speed read through. This is a slow read and if.

[Annie Jones]

I'm not mistaken, set during or around Advent.

[Susie Butterworth]

And it's just the Advent season.

[Annie Jones]

Okay. That's what I thought.

[Susie Butterworth]

And when I first started reading it, even for me, I was like, this is slow.

[Annie Jones]

Well, I think. Okay, correct me if I'm wrong. Is this the book that you said did not have chapters or had long chapters? Long chapters always is a little bit of a challenge, I think.

[Susie Butterworth]

But it was just what I needed. It was absolutely perfect. And you know what? If we can't get in a comfy chair or sit out. If you have a swimming pool, sit out by your pool or be outdoors or even on your. In your sofa in the living room and can't stop and slow down a little bit just to really enjoy this. It's sad. And this will help you do that?

[Annie Jones]

Yeah. Good.

[Susie Butterworth]

This will help you do that. And it's just. It's so well written. You think you're there.

[Annie Jones]

Where is that?

[Susie Butterworth]

I think it's Ireland.

[Annie Jones]

Okay.

[Susie Butterworth]

And it is about. And he's written another book, and I think that was before this. And I think I'm gonna look for it.

[Annie Jones]

Yes, you should.

[Susie Butterworth]

I think this is happiness. And so I don't know if you have it in, but I think I'm going to see what if it's also a slow descriptive.

[Annie Jones]

I think it is, because I don't know if this will matter to you, but Ann Patchett is a huge Niall Williams fan and she has recommended. I think she might have even blurbed this is happiness. And so that's part of the reason I'm curious about it. And then you loved it so much. And we had a lot of readers who loved it.

[Susie Butterworth]

Oh, good. You know, sometimes you do a shelf subscription.

[Annie Jones]

I do.

[Susie Butterworth]

And you wonder, did people like it or.

[Annie Jones]

Here's a tip. If you don't hear anything, they probably did. Great.

[Susie Butterworth]

Well, I don't ever hear anything.

[Annie Jones]

If you hear something.

[Susie Butterworth]

I just love everything I picked.

[Annie Jones]

If you hear something, it's probably not great. Yeah.

[Susie Butterworth]

Well, okay. I think any of my type of readers will love this book. But now it is set in winter and it is an island off of the coast of Ireland and it's starring the doctor and his daughter, who is his adult daughter, who his wife has died. One daughter has married and moved away, but this daughter stayed. Hmm. This daughter stayed and she helps him kind of run his business. And it's a tiny little hamlet, little village, so you get to know all the people in the village.

[Annie Jones]

What's that PBS show you and dad love so much?

[Susie Butterworth]

Oh my word.

[Annie Jones]

All Creatures and small would fans of that like this. Yes, I can see the similarities already.

[Susie Butterworth]

Yes. And so he's a doctor that goes and takes care of humans.

[Annie Jones]

Okay.

[Susie Butterworth]

Instead of a veterinarian. But so they just live this quiet, kind of sometimes semi grumpy, dysfunctional little small town life. And then some of the little boys in the village find a baby.

[Annie Jones]

Uh oh.

[Susie Butterworth]

And they bring the baby and leave it on the doorsteps here at the doctor's house.

[Annie Jones]

Okay.

[Susie Butterworth]

And Ronnie, his daughter, finds the baby. And it's just a warm, touching story about Ronnie who didn't marry her first love, so she stayed at home and never married. And how she falls in love with and cares for this baby.

[Annie Jones]

Oh, that sounds lovely.

[Susie Butterworth]

Which trying to keep it a secret because the village finds out about it, and then social services will have to take it, and she doesn't want happen yet.

[Annie Jones]

I see.

[Susie Butterworth]

So I'm not going to tell all the ending of it, but it does. It is a happy ending. And it is the most beautifully written book. And if you want to go slow because you. I have a moving picture going on in my head. When I read this was the best movie ever. Because it's beautiful.

[Annie Jones]

Would you read it right now or would you wait?

[Susie Butterworth]

I don't know. It is a winter book. Yeah, but I don't think you have to wait till winter to. To read it. If someone out there is looking for something that says, I need a break, I need something to take me away from everything that's happening in this world, it's a great time to read it.

[Annie Jones]

Okay, good.

[Susie Butterworth]

I loved it.

[Annie Jones]

The time of the Child.

[Susie Butterworth]

The time of the Child. Okay. My next book, Drum roll. This is by. I would love to meet this author. I love her. I can tell by every chapter that I love her. The book is called Ordinary Time by Annie B. Jones. And I got to read the Arc.

[Annie Jones]

I know whose Arc is. I got a few. I was about to say. Where'd you get that?

[Susie Butterworth]

You gave it to me.

[Annie Jones]

And when did you read it?

[Susie Butterworth]

I read it last. What? November.

[Annie Jones]

Did you and dad read it together or did you read it to yourself?

[Susie Butterworth]

We were traveling some, so we read some of them together. Dad had to pull over one time because. When did I read that? October.

[Annie Jones]

October.

[Susie Butterworth]

So we were on a trip.

[Annie Jones]

Yes. Okay.

[Susie Butterworth]

And so we were reading it. We read it out loud to one another. So while he drove, I read it out loud.

[Annie Jones]

Okay.

[Susie Butterworth]

And sometimes we might have gotten a little vempt. We might have gotten a little emotional. Sure it is. So I loved it. I can't wait for everybody to get their hands on it.

[Annie Jones]

She's not at all biased.

[Susie Butterworth]

I'm not at all biased. I'm not biased. I'm here to tell the truth. And it's a collection of essays about all types of things. About friendships, about people moving away. But that doesn't mean you lose your friendships. About making new friends, about spiritual growth, about church, about living in a small town. It's delightful.

[Annie Jones]

Do you think if you were not my mom, you would have liked this book and could recommend it to other people your age?

[Susie Butterworth]

Yes, I do.

[Annie Jones]

Because I'm genuinely curious about that. I didn't intend to write a book for millennials, so I just wondered if other generations of readers would like it.

[Susie Butterworth]

Well, first of all, I have Millennial children.

[Annie Jones]

Yes.

[Susie Butterworth]

And so I'm in touch with both of my children. Yes. And I'm in touch with their lives. And even, first of all, the cover's beautiful.

[Annie Jones]

The COVID is beautiful.

[Susie Butterworth]

And I am terrible about judging a book by its cover.

[Annie Jones]

You know, I think it is the kind of book you would have picked up.

[Susie Butterworth]

And I would have picked it up and I would have started reading. And look, we're all on our own spiritual journey. And so a lot of the things that you wrote about in there were things that I feel like I'm going through myself, even though I'm your mom. And so living in a small town. Those were very fun because I visit this small town a lot. I know a lot of your friends.

[Annie Jones]

Yes.

[Susie Butterworth]

And so what I'm saying is, if you weren't my daughter and I picked up that book, my mothering instincts would still kick in of. I know how she feels about this. Because my daughter feels this way.

[Annie Jones]

Okay, that makes sense. Or.

[Susie Butterworth]

Oh, my word, my son has been through this exact thing. So does that make sense?

[Annie Jones]

Yeah.

[Susie Butterworth]

So for that reason, I think women my age will love it.

[Annie Jones]

And do you think somebody. I've thought about this since I didn't think about it while writing it. Well, kind of. I did because there is a section in the book about faith, because faith is just a part of my life. It would have felt odd to not write about it. It would have felt weird to not write about it. But I do hope there's something in the book for even people who may not be practicing of faith may not participate in a spiritual. I would argue that most of us are interacting with the spiritual in some way, shape or form. But I'd like to think that there's stuff in there about book clubs, dogs, houses with pools, even the faith part.

[Susie Butterworth]

Even if you. Let's say you don't have faith or a background like we do now in the south, that will be, I think.

[Annie Jones]

In the South, a lot of people.

[Susie Butterworth]

But let's say you don't resonate with. I still think there are things people grapple with that are on that exact same level.

[Annie Jones]

Yeah, I think you could.

[Susie Butterworth]

That might not be faith related, but it is the same kind of institutional finding yourself.

[Annie Jones]

I was gonna say institutional disappointment.

[Susie Butterworth]

Yes.

[Annie Jones]

Whatever kind of institution you're.

[Susie Butterworth]

So don't sell the faith section short. And anybody that does is missing out on what they might be going through. That might not be faith related, but it's definitely an inward searching.

[Annie Jones]

Anybody who's asking questions.

[Susie Butterworth]

Exactly. So I think it's Well, I love it. I think a lot of people are going to love it.

[Annie Jones]

When does it come out, do you know?

[Susie Butterworth]

It comes out April 22, just a few days before my birthday.

[Annie Jones]

Yes. Happy birthday.

[Susie Butterworth]

I know.

[Annie Jones]

She's literally. I mean, obviously, yes, my parents are biased, but it is funny because the other. Other day she called. I was a little overwhelmed. And so mom took over a return I was trying to make to Pottery Barn. And I got a text later that was like, okay, return refund being given. Also told her all about your book. Like the poor pottery part.

[Susie Butterworth]

Customer service rep. That is way better than doing it online.

[Annie Jones]

Listen, and I'd rather I got it.

[Susie Butterworth]

And how fast did I get taken care of?

[Annie Jones]

It was so much faster than I would have done. But it does make me laugh. You and dad are like little evangelists for ordinary time.

[Susie Butterworth]

And also, I'll put a plug in for calling people, because the millennials don't call anybody. They'd rather die. They'd rather just text or send an email.

[Annie Jones]

I wouldn't rather. I will. I'm gonna gently push back. That is true for things like customer service. However, Michelle, who is. I always describe her as our virtual assistant, which feels silly because she's a real life person. She's not. She's not virtual. Right. She's a real life person.

[Susie Butterworth]

But if AI wanted to clone her, yes, they'd be lucky.

[Annie Jones]

They would do well. But Michelle and I do often talk about how millennials are the children of boomers, because we might not like to call, but we'll do it if we have to. And there are many times in which you get stuff done faster if you pick up the phone.

[Susie Butterworth]

I think you definitely do.

[Annie Jones]

So Michelle and I have debated that, but I will acknowledge that you were right that many times, especially like that Pottery Barn return. I kept looking for just like a button that you would click to begin processing the refund. And there wasn't. There wasn't a but. And I was so frustrated. And anyway, I put mom on it.

[Susie Butterworth]

And you know what else? Most people are nice.

[Annie Jones]

Yeah.

[Susie Butterworth]

And they will help you more when they hear a voice.

[Annie Jones]

Yes.

[Susie Butterworth]

When you're nothing but a blank. A screen with sentences.

[Annie Jones]

Yes.

[Susie Butterworth]

And we all know how people can translate remarks and comments on social media.

[Annie Jones]

Well. And we've been on that site. I mean, we're not Pottery Barn, but the Bookshelf is a retailer. Aaron gets emails. I used to get emails.

[Susie Butterworth]

And I think it is harder to be truly mean if you call.

[Annie Jones]

It is.

[Susie Butterworth]

And besides that, I'm not mean.

[Annie Jones]

Well, no, you're not mean.

[Susie Butterworth]

So the lady and I. I think. I'd like to think we were friends.

[Annie Jones]

Maybe she'll buy Ordinary Time. Okay, then, what did you read next?

[Susie Butterworth]

Okay, now my. I read the Pumpkin Spice Cafe. Okay, here we go, everybody. Here you go, my PG lovers.

[Annie Jones]

Gird your loins.

[Susie Butterworth]

Okay. Absolutely. The cutest cover book.

[Annie Jones]

Yes.

[Susie Butterworth]

I listen, the perfect fall book.

[Annie Jones]

It was very. And she's written a couple. Because there are a couple with these covers that look like they were generated in the Hallmark factory.

[Susie Butterworth]

I picked that up and I thought, this is just what I need. This is Pumpkin Spice Cafe.

[Annie Jones]

Yeah, well, friends, emphasis on spice.

[Susie Butterworth]

It's definitely spicy. Now, look, I'm not a prude. I'm not a prude.

[Annie Jones]

I am.

[Susie Butterworth]

But reading very specific, sexy things. I knew I picked that book up. I'm like all the PG lovers, all the people like me picked this book up and thought this.

[Annie Jones]

Because that's what it looks like. And listen, this is the difficulty of being a bookseller because no one on staff had read that yet. And it looks like a Hallmark movie. And so we had it, I'm sure, on an end cap or a display with all the other autumnal looking books. And then I wish. I wish I'd. It would have just taken forever to find the text, but I got a text from you one afternoon and it was basically like, don't let anyone find this book.

[Susie Butterworth]

Don't tell anybody I recommended this book. Now look, unless you're a peachy lover with closet sexy vibes that you'd like to read.

[Annie Jones]

That or my friend. I'm gonna out her. She'll laugh at this. My friend Kimberly, who always wanted there to be a Hallmark after Dark. So if you're an open door reader.

[Susie Butterworth]

Okay, Kimberly, this one's for you. Oh, my goodness. And it was. It's not like a really. It is like a Hallmark story.

[Annie Jones]

Justice. Yeah. With open door.

[Susie Butterworth]

With spice. Yes. So anyway, I wouldn't have picked it for my shelf subscription because Erin would have gotten an email.

[Annie Jones]

Yeah. Yes, she would have been.

[Susie Butterworth]

And I definitely pick my books based on. I want Erin to be left alone. Unbothered.

[Annie Jones]

Yeah. Okay. So then what did you read?

[Susie Butterworth]

I read have more fun. Okay.

[Annie Jones]

All right, talk to me about this one. Cause I was not familiar with this till you read it.

[Susie Butterworth]

Okay, well, this is. Shall we talk about our word of the year?

[Annie Jones]

Yes.

[Susie Butterworth]

Because every year.

[Annie Jones]

I don't know if I have one.

[Susie Butterworth]

Every year I pick a word of the year. And you know that. Yes, always. Self helpy. Self Improvement.

[Annie Jones]

Yeah. You love self help.

[Susie Butterworth]

I'm always trying to be a better person.

[Annie Jones]

You are.

[Susie Butterworth]

So I'm always trying so hard. Trying so hard out here to be a better person. So I was looking for a word that would. I didn't want to do presence. Again. I didn't want to do some words I've done multiple times because I'm slow.

[Annie Jones]

Got to work on those.

[Susie Butterworth]

Got to work on it. So Jordan heard me talking about this.

[Annie Jones]

Yes. You wanted to.

[Susie Butterworth]

I wanted advice. I'm like, I really want something about self care.

[Annie Jones]

Self care was what you kind of.

[Susie Butterworth]

Had because I'm not good at that, which I'm not good at that. And so Jordan, Ms. Susie, your word ought to be fun.

[Annie Jones]

He thought self care sounded like too much work.

[Susie Butterworth]

And self care sounds like what self improvement, like I always make. And so I thought, fun. Well, I'm fun. And then I thought, wait a minute. Fun. Now that's. That sounds great. So I googled it.

[Annie Jones]

Googled fun.

[Susie Butterworth]

Googled how to be a fun person.

[Annie Jones]

That's.

[Susie Butterworth]

And I'm a fun person.

[Annie Jones]

You. You are a fun person.

[Susie Butterworth]

And I'm funny.

[Annie Jones]

Yeah, you're a fun person.

[Susie Butterworth]

So anyway, I picked two books, okay. And this is one of them. And this book happens to be written by the founder of mops, Mothers of Preschool.

[Annie Jones]

That's right. Mothers of Preschoolers. And I think it was. I had not heard of this, but then maybe Bob Goff wrote the foreword or something. He did.

[Susie Butterworth]

Yeah, he did. And there was a book, I'm trying to think of the name of it, that last year I read, and it was something celebrated.

[Annie Jones]

What if it's wonderful?

[Susie Butterworth]

What if it's wonderful? Okay. So I read this book and it's very nice, well written, ways to have fun, which I was really pleased that there was nothing that jumped out at me like I'm not fun and needed to know because I didn't. But it was a good read. And you know what? It was a great light read to help me remember. Look, there's fun all around. It might not be, ta da. Kind of fun all the time, but you can still have fun.

[Annie Jones]

So there are a couple of things that I'm seeing online, probably because of the world we're just, I would say, we're currently living in, but I would also say, as you mentioned with your previous book, the Sunflower House, we've always had, yes, really dark, dire times. So anyway, we are currently, I just think, grappling with a lot of things, whether personally or in the news or whatever. And so I've seen online a couple of trends, I guess one is this idea of romanticizing your life. And the other was this tweet that went viral or something. And it was a woman who had asked all the people who followed her to tell her how they made their lives more whimsical.

[Susie Butterworth]

Oh, cute.

[Annie Jones]

And so I do think there is this desire because life is heavy.

[Susie Butterworth]

You wanna lighten up, Frances?

[Annie Jones]

Yeah. Because life is heavy. What can we do? It doesn't mean we don't take things seriously. It doesn't mean we bury our heads in the sand. But what are we going to do to make life worth living? And so I'm glad that you picked fun. And I think it's very Susie Butterworth to have immediately read a book about.

[Susie Butterworth]

Well, you know what else I loved? It was there were in there that reminded me, oh, well, I do that all the time. But have I thought about that being fun? Because sometimes you can do stuff and then you don't really realize the lightness of it that you have right there under your nose that you're actually doing, already doing. And you didn't. Maybe you aren't paying attention that this is fun. And so on January 1st, the very first day of the year, dad and I got in the car and we had our traditional meal of country ham, collard greens out of the garden, and black eyed peas and cornbread. And we had our meal and then we drove down to St. Mark's to the coast and visited the lighthouse and walked around. It was cold. It was beautiful day.

[Annie Jones]

It was beautiful.

[Susie Butterworth]

And I thought, okay, I'm kicking my year off. This is fun.

[Annie Jones]

You also, I assume that this is tied into your resolution, but you started doing watercolors.

[Susie Butterworth]

Yes, I'm doing things I did not think I could do. I'm sewing. I'm not a seamstress, but I'm making things well.

[Annie Jones]

And I think the thing about a word like fun is it takes some of the perfection out of it.

[Susie Butterworth]

Yes.

[Annie Jones]

You don't have to be the next best watercolor artist.

[Susie Butterworth]

Nope.

[Annie Jones]

You don't have to be a perfect seamstress. You could just do things because you enjoy them.

[Susie Butterworth]

That's right. And I'm doing it. Rather than sitting around thinking about it. I'm actually doing it.

[Annie Jones]

Well, good. So that was. Have more fun, have you? I'm just curious. Annie F. Downs has a podcast called that Sounds Fun.

[Susie Butterworth]

I have her book.

[Annie Jones]

That's the other book I got. I was like, what other books came up with the word fun in the title?

[Susie Butterworth]

That's the other book I got. And it's literally things you can do that are fun.

[Annie Jones]

Well, great.

[Susie Butterworth]

And so I have that book as well. I didn't bring that with me today.

[Annie Jones]

Well, have more fun. That sounds like a book. Maybe if people liked what if it's wonderful, that could be their next read.

[Susie Butterworth]

Yes.

[Annie Jones]

So next up, what did you read?

[Susie Butterworth]

I read another arc, the story she left behind by Patti Callahan.

[Annie Jones]

Henry, do you have your tickets?

[Susie Butterworth]

Yes, I'm coming. You know she's my favorite.

[Annie Jones]

Yes, I know she's your favorite. She's coming to the bookshelf on April 8th.

[Susie Butterworth]

I'm coming.

[Annie Jones]

We are super excited to finally get her in the store.

[Susie Butterworth]

Her books are beautiful.

[Annie Jones]

Her covers are lovely.

[Susie Butterworth]

Her covers are beautiful. I don't know why. I thought she was older than. I saw a picture of her and I went, good grief, she's as beautiful as her cover. She's gorgeous.

[Annie Jones]

I hope she hears this. You probably just made her day.

[Susie Butterworth]

And she is. I think she might be my favorite historical fiction writer.

[Annie Jones]

So is this. You know, I think her C.S. lewis books, her books about Lewis becoming.

[Susie Butterworth]

Mrs. Lewis, I loved that one too.

[Annie Jones]

I think that was her. I don't want to misspeak. I think that was perhaps her first foray into historical fiction. Oh, she's written other.

[Susie Butterworth]

I remember a ton of books and I'm like, I had no idea.

[Annie Jones]

Yes.

[Susie Butterworth]

She's very prolific, but I found her with becoming Mrs. Lewis.

[Annie Jones]

Yes. So this is historical fiction as well.

[Susie Butterworth]

Yes.

[Annie Jones]

And where is it set?

[Susie Butterworth]

It's set in South Carolina, but it's going to be in two places. It's going to be in South Carolina and London. So this woman, young woman, young mother, is raising her daughter with her. She lives with her dad. He's a doctor. Her mother mysteriously disappears when she's a child, like an eight year old, I think she mysteriously disappears. They never find her body. It's really fascinating. Okay, well, somebody in London, his father dies and he's going through his library and finds this envelope that says her name on it. And it's about her mom.

[Annie Jones]

Okay.

[Susie Butterworth]

So she stops everything. She's school teacher, art teacher. She's an illustrator. She's an art teacher. She stops everything and takes her little girl and they go to London. Now, let me tell you, she is the most. She is another beautifully descriptive writer. You think you're there. When I read becoming Mrs. Lewis, I felt like I had been to school. I felt like I had been there. It was so well written. And that's the same as this and the Flora Lee. The something something of Flora Lee.

[Annie Jones]

The Secret Book of Flora Lee was so good, too.

[Susie Butterworth]

And you just. You feel like you're there. I mean, her books could be movies to me.

[Annie Jones]

Yeah.

[Susie Butterworth]

I'm like, why aren't they?

[Annie Jones]

You should ask her on April 8th.

[Susie Butterworth]

They should be movies. So she goes over to London and starts discovering and digging. And I can't tell very much about this because it's coming out.

[Annie Jones]

Well, you don't want to tell anyway because customers use this to pick what they want to read.

[Susie Butterworth]

I'm going to tell you. Buy it.

[Annie Jones]

Okay. It's a. Buy.

[Susie Butterworth]

Buy it. And it is a beautiful book. And it's. You're gonna love it. You're just. I flew through it. It was so good.

[Annie Jones]

I'm really excited we get to host her in the store. And I think she's a writer. She's an author that our customer base really loves. But I think she also extends beyond Southern readers, too.

[Susie Butterworth]

You know what's really unique about this book is she. Her mother wrote a book that was super famous, and she wrote it as a child. Like she was a child prodigy. Like a child. And then she. The girl's mother.

[Annie Jones]

Oh, the woman who goes missing.

[Susie Butterworth]

And then so she has another book, and she writes in a secret language. And you know who else wrote in a secret language?

[Annie Jones]

Who?

[Susie Butterworth]

Beatrix Potter.

[Annie Jones]

Oh, interesting.

[Susie Butterworth]

Buy the book.

[Annie Jones]

Buy the book. And then if you are local, come to the Patty Callahan Henry event in April. Tickets are available on the Bookshelf's website.

[Susie Butterworth]

Wait.

[Annie Jones]

All right. And then Patty Callahan Henry blurbed your next book.

[Susie Butterworth]

She sure did. This is another. This is coming out in May.

[Annie Jones]

Okay.

[Susie Butterworth]

And this is entitled where the Rivers Merge, which you might think it's about bodies of water. It's a family name.

[Annie Jones]

Oh, love when they do that. It's like the family stone.

[Susie Butterworth]

Where the Rivers Merge by Mary Alice Munroe. So, so good.

[Annie Jones]

Have you read her before?

[Susie Butterworth]

No.

[Annie Jones]

You would. I would think you would like her a lot.

[Susie Butterworth]

And I'm going to look at. For some other. Because now I'm not doing shelf subscriptions as much.

[Annie Jones]

Yes, we're gonna talk about that.

[Susie Butterworth]

I really want to do some more.

[Annie Jones]

Yeah, you get to read backlisting. Yeah, exactly. You get to do whatever you want now.

[Susie Butterworth]

So the reason I got a little confused a minute ago is because this one is also in the low country of South Carolina.

[Annie Jones]

I see. Is this historical fiction?

[Susie Butterworth]

Yes. Well, no, I think this is just.

[Annie Jones]

Okay. Contemporary.

[Susie Butterworth]

Just a fiction book.

[Annie Jones]

Okay.

[Susie Butterworth]

Okay. You would love it.

[Annie Jones]

Okay.

[Susie Butterworth]

It's A family dysfunctional family tale.

[Annie Jones]

Do love those.

[Susie Butterworth]

I know you do, and I don't know why, but you do. And this. So this takes place in 1908 and 1988. Now, I happen to love books like that.

[Annie Jones]

The 80s are now considered historical fiction.

[Susie Butterworth]

Stop.

[Annie Jones]

I'm sorry, but that's just the truth.

[Susie Butterworth]

I'm having my 100th birthday coming up. I just sound young.

[Annie Jones]

So 1908 and 1988.

[Susie Butterworth]

Yes. So it's about a family that owned this beautiful estate. No one calls it a plantation. Beautiful estate in South Carolina. There's some. Two sons, I think, and a daughter. And it's all about the estate in the early 1900s and the things that took place in the Great War and those. All of that happening and. And now she's an old lady at 88 years old. She's getting younger by the minute. And she is the head of this major conglomerate, this huge corporation.

[Annie Jones]

Oh, wow. Okay.

[Susie Butterworth]

And she's the CEO, and her son is now trying to. She's old. He wants to sell. Oh, he wants to sell the property.

[Annie Jones]

I see.

[Susie Butterworth]

And she's trying to hang on to it. So now we filter into other generations and weave them into the story. And she's telling her life story to these. One is a granddaughter.

[Annie Jones]

Okay.

[Susie Butterworth]

And one is the granddaughter of her best friend whose father or uncle worked on the. He was the groundskeeper for the estate. So she lived kind of off, but it became her best friend when she was a little girl. Then they got separated, and so it all. Her granddaughter comes back and it's all about trying to preserve this beautiful country.

[Annie Jones]

Okay, well, that sounds great.

[Susie Butterworth]

It's really good. It's very good.

[Annie Jones]

And that comes out in May.

[Susie Butterworth]

And that comes out in May. And it's very descriptive of the landscape, the beauty of the low country of South Carolina. And guess what? This is really neat. I've never done this before. At the end, I finished it. Book one.

[Annie Jones]

Oh, good. So there will be more. Okay, well, that is fun.

[Susie Butterworth]

So trust me on this one. When this comes out, buy it. And then we'll all wait together for the next one. And then I'll review the next one when it comes out.

[Annie Jones]

That'll be fun. Okay, so that one was called where the Rivers Merge.

[Susie Butterworth]

Where the Rivers Merge. Okay. So the next book I read was what happened to the McCraes. And this book is out now?

[Annie Jones]

Yes. I believe Aaron read this book and really liked it.

[Susie Butterworth]

Okay, so this is. It really is a fascinating book. It's very. Just contemporary, about a husband and wife who have split up, they've divorced. You really don't know why, because they look like America's perfect little couple. But he's.

[Annie Jones]

Maybe that's why.

[Susie Butterworth]

And we don't really know why. And he lives far away. He's a mechanic. But he gets news that his dad has had a stroke, so he comes back home.

[Annie Jones]

Okay.

[Susie Butterworth]

Okay. This is a small town. Everybody knows your business. Everybody knows their business. So everybody knows he left. And nobody knows why. Really? Nobody knows why. I didn't know why until it really finally revealed itself. I kept wondering, why'd you leave? But anyway, so he comes back and his dad lives like across the street from his ex wife. Ah, so that means. Cause small town. He lived across the street.

[Annie Jones]

They're gonna run into each other.

[Susie Butterworth]

They're gonna run into each other. So he comes back and it's sad because you discover all the things that have happened in their lives that made him leave. And when he comes back, he played hockey. So when he comes back, the school where his ex wife works really needs a little hockey coach.

[Annie Jones]

Of course they do.

[Susie Butterworth]

I know this is almost hallmarky with language. It's hallmark with language.

[Annie Jones]

All right.

[Susie Butterworth]

Because it is redemptive. That does. You know, it. It comes all back together and you learn a lot about what happened to them. So what happened to the McRae is.

[Annie Jones]

A great title because you do.

[Susie Butterworth]

Because you have to read and you have to read quite a bit of it before you really discover what happened to them.

[Annie Jones]

And so she's written a couple. We are the Brennans and the Connollys of County Down. She writes a lot about dysfunctional families, I believe.

[Susie Butterworth]

So I think people will. And then the. His ex wife has a brother who is. Was injured and so he's in a wheelchair and he lives with her in the back of her house. So it's very. All the little family people come together.

[Annie Jones]

We love.

[Susie Butterworth]

Plus the small town. All the people from the small town are. Know everything. You kind of get to know them and you know, there's busybodies and then there's. It's really good.

[Annie Jones]

Aaron liked it, as I recall.

[Susie Butterworth]

I think people will really like this. But I do wanna say there is some language in it.

[Annie Jones]

Yes.

[Susie Butterworth]

So if you can work past that, I think you would love this book.

[Annie Jones]

You did, you worked past it. I did.

[Susie Butterworth]

I sure did.

[Annie Jones]

Okay, next up.

[Susie Butterworth]

Okay, next up is a very old book.

[Annie Jones]

What's this book? Yeah, I wanna know if that's my copy of this book.

[Susie Butterworth]

Oh, is it? Lisa has two copies.

[Annie Jones]

Oh, no, that's Aunt Lisa's.

[Susie Butterworth]

And it's. And she gave me this. I wish you could see it. Really ratty, beat up copy of this book.

[Annie Jones]

I love a beat up copy. Wait, did you say the name?

[Susie Butterworth]

No. About two.

[Annie Jones]

Okay.

[Susie Butterworth]

A separate piece by John Knowles.

[Annie Jones]

Now, why on earth did you pick this up?

[Susie Butterworth]

Only because Lisa gave me this and said, you should read this. It was so good. Then when I asked her questions about it, she couldn't remember, but she said, I just remember. I loved it. She, like, read it. She might have read it in high school or something.

[Annie Jones]

I read it in high school. I love this book. But I am shocked that you read it.

[Susie Butterworth]

It is so. I loved it.

[Annie Jones]

Yes. It's deeply sad.

[Susie Butterworth]

But then I realized, oh, this doesn't get. This isn't happy book.

[Annie Jones]

No, I mean, this is an Annie B. Jones book. I love me some sad books, man.

[Susie Butterworth]

I need to help you out sometimes then, because this is a sad book.

[Annie Jones]

What I am pretty peeved about at this very moment in time is mom always prints out notes to help her know what all of her books are about.

[Susie Butterworth]

Yeah, I didn't have time left.

[Annie Jones]

No, this is what peeves me. This. I think a separate piece is beautiful.

[Susie Butterworth]

It's beautifully written.

[Annie Jones]

And she has printed out the description from Goodreads where it is ranked as a 3.6.

[Susie Butterworth]

And I wonder why is that?

[Annie Jones]

No, this is why.

[Susie Butterworth]

It's a classic.

[Annie Jones]

This is why. I know we're Goodreads.

[Susie Butterworth]

Make you feel better.

[Annie Jones]

Yeah, I just wow people.

[Susie Butterworth]

Me too.

[Annie Jones]

Okay, so you. So you had not read this in school?

[Susie Butterworth]

I had never read this book. I had never heard of this book.

[Annie Jones]

Okay, so it's about how delightful.

[Susie Butterworth]

It's about two boys. I love. Oh, my gosh. I love these kids. One's a brainiac, one's a jock, One's handsome, good looking, everybody loves him. I think you and I could both think of someone who this could be like. And they're at a boarding school in New England during World War II.

[Annie Jones]

Boarding school books are my favorite.

[Susie Butterworth]

I knew that you probably loved that. So it's just about their relationship. It is these. Look, it's sad, but it is also. We never hear of male friendships.

[Annie Jones]

Hunter and I talk about this all the time.

[Susie Butterworth]

When is the last time you read a book about a male friendship? It is these most beautiful.

[Annie Jones]

I try to seek them out. They're hard to find. Hunter and I have had this conversation before.

[Susie Butterworth]

It is beautiful.

[Annie Jones]

Yes. I think male friendship is actually really beautiful to watch. And we don't get to watch it very Often.

[Susie Butterworth]

And the handsome, good looking, charming that everyone. You know, he's just a magnet for everybody. Absolutely loves and adores his nerdy roommate. He loves him. Yeah, it is. It's a love story.

[Annie Jones]

I love this book.

[Susie Butterworth]

And yet it's just their best friend. I'm. I'm tearing up thinking about it. It was so. But then. But it's dark. Yes, because it's. Not only is it World War II, but things happen.

[Annie Jones]

Don't tell.

[Susie Butterworth]

I'm not. But go read this book.

[Annie Jones]

If you haven't read a separate piece. You should read it.

[Susie Butterworth]

Yes, you should read it.

[Annie Jones]

It's worth being a classic. It is a classic for a reason. So, all right. And then you joined the masses. And what'd you read next?

[Susie Butterworth]

I read the Let Them Theory, and it's by Mel Robbins, who I'd never heard of, except she's a social media phenom.

[Annie Jones]

Yeah, I weirdly had not heard of her either. Is she related to Tony Robbins?

[Susie Butterworth]

I don't think so. No, she's not.

[Annie Jones]

Until this book came out, which just maybe I'm not living under a rock, but I was not familiar with her, but man, this book. Let me tell you something. We couldn't keep this book in stock.

[Susie Butterworth]

I know. I couldn't even get it from. You had to wait.

[Annie Jones]

Yeah. Thank you for waiting.

[Susie Butterworth]

I did wait.

[Annie Jones]

Yet not everyone was as kind.

[Susie Butterworth]

Oh, I wait so I can shop my small business baby.

[Annie Jones]

We just had to let them be real rude.

[Susie Butterworth]

Well, there you go. You probably don't need the book.

[Annie Jones]

It was our. Our staff had a hard time because it immediately. I mean, it took off and you can't always predict something like that. And I think they went into a reprint. The publisher didn't have enough, and so anyway, it was backordered everywhere. But thank you to you and all the customers who decided to wait on this book.

[Susie Butterworth]

I did wait.

[Annie Jones]

Was it worth the wait?

[Susie Butterworth]

Let me just. I want to say some things. I want to say that just like the fun book, y'all, there's really not a ton of new theories out there. It's common sense. And what she has done is genius. She's a genius. Yeah, she's a genius. She has taken this. Look, if somebody doesn't like you let them. I mean, I'm using. I'm being kind of funny. No, but I'm like, what? Just happens to be very hard for me.

[Annie Jones]

Right. Well, that's not to lie. It's common sense. But it is hard to put him to practice.

[Susie Butterworth]

So for me, there was nothing really new, except chapter after chapter, example after example. And I needed it just to help me be reminded.

[Annie Jones]

You're an Enneagram too. And you just want to be loved.

[Susie Butterworth]

I do.

[Annie Jones]

And to love others.

[Susie Butterworth]

And I am so lovable. I'm nice. I'm like, what's not to love but love? Look, I'm not. I'm too much for some people. I'm not.

[Annie Jones]

That's right. We just have to.

[Susie Butterworth]

And so this reminded me, you know what? Guess what? Be you. Be you, Susie. And people will like you or they won't. And it's. You have to just let them. But now I'm towards the end. I'm not quite finished now I'm towards the end. And what I really love, you know, me, what I really love is Let me. I have to know the things I can do. What can. Okay, what about me? So how am I going to let this help me? And it's easier to say let them about some things than it is other things. Now, there were some things in here that didn't apply to me anymore. Workforce, work, world. But boy, I look back and think, wish I'd had this. It's easy to read. She did it on purpose. She really did do that on purpose. So that it would be very broken down and understandable. So you could. Because she knows. She's interviewed enough people, she's lived enough life to know we have to hear it over and over and over and over to. To be able to do it. So she uses an example in here of someone who's unhealthy, someone whose spouse is very unhealthy. Couch potato eats his potatoes.

[Annie Jones]

Oh, I see.

[Susie Butterworth]

Very unhealthy. And it just. She gets him gym membership. She does all the things. And finally she just has to love him and let him. She just has to do that.

[Annie Jones]

Right.

[Susie Butterworth]

But then now she's starting to address. But what can you do? You can still be an influence.

[Annie Jones]

I see.

[Susie Butterworth]

You can still be a person of.

[Annie Jones]

Influence and you have agency.

[Susie Butterworth]

And that's. Right. And so that's where I am now. I will say that it is very well written. Sometimes she's very powerful for me online and I can't take it in too much. So reading the book was really a good way for me to get this.

[Annie Jones]

And you've always liked books like this.

[Susie Butterworth]

And I really do like this.

[Annie Jones]

You really do.

[Susie Butterworth]

And I really obviously still need to read books like this.

[Annie Jones]

I think there's always room for improvement.

[Susie Butterworth]

I think that so too. I hope I'm never too old to improve on something anymore.

[Annie Jones]

My favorite story about. So we've sold a lot of copies of this. People come in talking about it, asking for it, et cetera. And somebody was saying that their sister in law or somebody was reading this book and they had all gone through like this family issue together. And she said her sister, you could tell. Or her sister in law was like trying so hard to air quotes. Let them. And it was like she was letting them, but like while her eye was twitching. And it made me, that image made me laugh. Let them. But you know, with a little bit of twitching.

[Susie Butterworth]

Yes, that's okay. Yeah, I think she addresses that in the book. It's not easy. Easy.

[Annie Jones]

So okay, that was a lot of books. Fiction. Yeah, I was gonna say fiction, nonfiction, historical fiction, contemporary fiction, dysfunctional family fiction, some spicy fiction. So those really ran the gamut. And as with our other podcast episodes, Aaron has made it super easy for folks to browse. So if you're curious about the books Shopmom Susie reads and loves, there are a couple of ways for you to shop her books through the Bookshelf shelf. First of all, as we alluded to, you can become a shelf subscriber through our shelf subscription program. Now, mom and Nancy used to have an alternating shelf subscription. We changed that in the new year. We talked about it on a podcast episode. So now each month staffers pick their favorite books of the month and we have a new revolving shelf subscription option which features rotating choices from Shop Mom, Shop Dad, Nancy and Aaron. This has been so helpful for Erin to be able to participate in the shelf subscription program. It's also taken some of the pressure off of Shop Mom, Shop dad and Nancy. And I know at first it was a bit of a bummer for you, but I'm excited because it means you're getting to read some backlist titles, some books. Maybe you're gonna read some more Mary Alice Monroe or whatever. So anyway, the revolving shelf subscription features those rotating choices. It's a great option for the eclectic reader. And Shop Mom's rotation is coming up in April, so if you haven't purchased a revolving shelf subscription, now's your time, now's your chance. And if you want more, Suzy, all of today's books are on the store website. You can shop through today's episode number. That's 520 plus. Mom now has her very own page on the store website with so many books, books she loves, backlist and front list titles. You can shop that through the link in our show notes or by visiting bookshelf thomasville.com clicking featured and then choosing Suzy reads. You can get 10% off her choices today with the code shopmomselects. Thanks Mom.

[Susie Butterworth]

Wow.

[Annie Jones]

This week I'm reading Broken country by Claire Leslie Hall. Mom, what are you reading?

[Susie Butterworth]

I'm reading Beach House Rules by Christy Woodson Harvey.

[Annie Jones]

From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of the Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in Thomasville, Georgia. You can follow the Bookshelf's daily happenings on Instagram ookshelftville and all the books from today's episode can be purchased online through our store website bookshelf thomasville.com a full transcript of today's podcast episode can be found at. From the frontporchpodcast.com Special thanks to Studio D Podcast Production for production of from the Front Porch and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations. Our executive producers of today's episode are Cami Tidwell, Chantal Carl, Kate O'Neill O'Connell, Kristen May, Linda Lee Drost, Jean Queens, Amanda Wickham, Martha Stacy Lau Chancellos, Stephanie Dean, Ashley Farrell, Nicole Marcy, Wendy Jenkins.

[Susie Butterworth]

Lori Johnson, Susan Mulings.

[Annie Jones]

Thank you all for your support of from the Front Porch. If you'd like to support from the Front Porch, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your input helps us make the show even better and helps us reach new listeners. All you have to do is open up the podcast app on your phone, look for from the Front Porch, scroll down until you see, write a review and tell us what you think. Or if you're so inclined, support us over on Patreon, where we have three levels of support. Each level has an amazing number of benefits like bonus content, access to live events, discounts and giveaways. Just go to patreon patreon.com from the front Porch we're so grateful for you and we look forward to meeting back here next week.