Podcast Summary: From the Front Porch – Episode 535 | What Would Susie Read

Release Date: June 26, 2025

Introduction In Episode 535 of From the Front Porch, host Annie Jones welcomes her mother, Susie Jones, to discuss book recommendations tailored for readers with PG-13 tastes. The episode delves into Susie's recent reads, her insights on various genres, and the dynamic of their shared love for literature. Annie also highlights the bookstore's shelf subscription program, emphasizing the personal touch that Susie brings to the selection process.

1. Surprised by Joy by C.S. Lewis Susie kicks off the discussion with Surprised by Joy, a memoir-esque work by C.S. Lewis. She delves into Lewis's journey from atheism to Christianity, providing listeners with a glimpse into his intellectual and spiritual evolution.

• Susie Jones [04:16]: "Surprised by Joy... it's kind of memoir-esque, I guess, because it's really his tale of his education, his schooling. You learn a little bit about his parents, and then he drifts into atheism, and then it's his coming back out of atheism in his conversion to Christianity."

• Annie Jones [05:11]: "CS Lewis is not someone you read quickly. He's not someone you read... for fun."

Insights: Susie appreciates the depth and complexity of Lewis's work, acknowledging that it requires thoughtful reading. She encourages listeners to take their time with such profound texts.

2. Summer of Songbirds by Christy Woodson Harvey Next, Susie discusses Summer of Songbirds, a novel by Christy Woodson Harvey. She praises the book as a perfect summer read, highlighting its themes of friendship, nostalgia, and community revitalization.

• Susie Jones [08:18]: "This is the perfect read for coming up, the season we're in. Perfect beach read."

• Annie Jones [10:13]: "Great summer book."

Synopsis: The story revolves around three best friends who reunite to save a summer camp threatened by dwindling attendance post-pandemic. The narrative explores their collective efforts to revive the camp and the bonds that sustain them through adulthood.

3. Zero to Six Months Moms on Call Basic Baby Care Susie transitions to a practical recommendation with Zero to Six Months Moms on Call Basic Baby Care by Laura Hunter and Jennifer Walker. This guide serves as a refresher for new and expecting grandparents navigating grandparenthood.

• Susie Jones [12:00]: "I wanted a little refresher for me... to be a good grandmommy and a good mom still."

• Annie Jones [17:53]: "This is a great book. And look, over 1 million copies sold."

Key Takeaways: Susie shares her enthusiasm for the book's easy-to-follow steps and comprehensive advice, making it an indispensable resource for caregivers.

4. The Correspondent by Virginia Evans Annie introduces The Correspondent by Virginia Evans, a novel that resonated deeply with both her and Susie. The story is crafted as an epistolary novel, unfolding through letters and emails.

• Annie Jones [20:58]: "I devoured it. I immediately was like, five stars. This is amazing."

• Susie Jones [25:03]: "I read it in 24 hours. I could not put it down."

Synopsis: The protagonist, Sybil, a successful lawyer turned clerk, mentors a young boy through letter-writing, forging meaningful connections despite personal challenges, including a vision impairment.

5. One Good Thing by Georgia Hunter Susie highlights One Good Thing by Georgia Hunter, a historical fiction set in Italy during World War II. The novel intertwines past and present narratives, emphasizing the resilience of a Jewish community.

• Susie Jones [34:19]: "I read it in, like, two days. It's called One Good Thing."

• Annie Jones [35:15]: "I think I would like to read it. I loved her."

Insights: The book is praised for its meticulous research and vivid depiction of 1940s Italy, making history come alive through engaging storytelling.

6. Jersey Italian Love Story by Verena Palladino Susie discusses Jersey Italian Love Story by Verena Palladino, comparing it to the beloved film My Big Fat Greek Wedding. The novel blends humor and heartfelt moments within an Italian family dynamic.

• Susie Jones [41:25]: "It's all about her kids... her grandmother gets fixed up in her 90s."

• Annie Jones [43:05]: "It's not a little book."

Synopsis: The story centers on a multi-generational Italian family navigating love, expectations, and cultural traditions, all while maintaining a lighthearted and entertaining narrative.

Personal Reflections and Insights Throughout the episode, Annie and Susie share personal anecdotes, highlighting the influence of family on their reading choices and the therapeutic aspects of journaling and reading during challenging times.

• Susie Jones [28:12]: "You get to know her [Sybil]... she's very intelligent."

• Annie Jones [27:00]: "Some of my childhood ones, I think are hilarious."

Notable Quotes:

• Susie Jones [07:20]: "Books that don't have a ton of sex, drugs, violence, whatever language. But every so often, you dabble."

• Annie Jones [26:05]: "I love reading about it. I just don't want to live it."

Insights: The conversation underscores the importance of selecting books that align with personal values and the comfort of nostalgic or meaningful narratives. They also touch upon the cathartic nature of revisiting past writings and memories.

Conclusion From the Front Porch Episode 535 offers a heartfelt exploration of Susie Jones's book selections, blending thoughtful recommendations with personal stories. The episode serves as a testament to the enduring bond between Annie and Susie, united by their shared passion for literature and the Southern charm of The Bookshelf in Thomasville, Georgia.

For listeners interested in exploring the books discussed, Susie's curated selections are available through The Bookshelf's website, featuring a 10% discount with the code shopmomselects.

Additional Resources

• Shop Mom Susie's Selections: bookshelfthomasville.com
• Featured Shelf Subscription: Access rotating selections curated by Susie, Nancy (bookseller), and Aaron (online sales manager).
• Follow Us on Instagram: @bookshelfthomasville

Note: All timestamps correspond to the podcast transcript for reference.