Sarah's Bookshelves Live

Summer 2026 Book Preview with Catherine Gilmore | Ep. 226

Welcome to the Summer 2026 Book Preview with Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books! Today, Sarah and Catherine share 12 of their most anticipated books releasing in June through mid – August. This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog. Announcements One of the many benefits to supporting the podcast through either our Patreon Community or our Substack Community (both for just $7/mo) is that you get access to several bonus podcast episode series, including Book Preview Extras! In these episodes, Catherine and Sarah share 4 bonus books (2 each) we are excited about that we did not share in the big show preview episode. Get more details about all the goodies available and sign up here for Patreon and here for Substack! Highlights A lightning round of some big summer releases that are NOT our personal preview picks. Catherine's theme this season was following her initial emotional reaction to a book, while Sarah's picks skew a bit outside of her usual comfort zone. Catherine chose books across historical fiction, cultural fiction, romance, humor, and thriller. One of the season's more challenging reads for Catherine comes from an author she trusts, while Sarah has two books over 450 pages. There's one debut in Sarah's stack this season — along with some historical fiction. Sarah has already read one of her picks — not only was it 5 stars, it's already a strong contender for book of the year. Plus, their #1 picks for summer. Big Summer Releases Villa Coco by Andrew Sean Greer (June 9) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:28] God's Country (Cork O'Connor, 22) by William Kent Krueger (August 18) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:33] The Shampoo Effect by Jenny Jackson (June 30) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:36] Biological War by Annie Jacobsen (July 28) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:43] Cool Machine (The Harlem Trilogy, 3) by Colson Whitehead (July 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [2:48] A Tender Age by Chang-rae Lee (August 11) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [2:53] Under the Falls by Richard Russo (August 11) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [2:55] Sunrise by Téa Obreht (August 11) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:14] Dominion (The Silk and Iron Trilogy, 1) by Jean Kwok (July 14) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:26] Other Books Mentioned Less (The Arthur Books, 1) by Andrew Sean Greer (2017) [1:32] Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson (2023) [1:41] Nuclear War by Annie Jacobsen (2024) [1:47] Empire Falls by Richard Russo (2001) [3:04] Summer 2026 Book Preview June Sarah's Pick Whistler by Ann Patchett (June 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [6:53] Catherine's Picks A Year of Marvelous Ways by Sarah Winman (US Release June 16) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [12:23] Leave and Come Back by Lavanya Lakshmi (June 16) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:29] The Top of the World by Ethan Joella (June 30) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [21:59] Keep Them Close by David Ellis (June 30) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:39] Other Books Mentioned Tom Lake by Ann Patchett (2023) [8:05] The Correspondent by Virginia Evans (2025) [8:54] Commonwealth by Ann Patchett (2016) [9:12] Bel Canto by Ann Patchett (2001) [9:16] The Dutch House by Ann Patchett (2019) [9:17] State of Wonder by Ann Patchett (2011) [9:18] The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne (2017) [10:07] Tin Man by Sarah Winman (US 2018) [13:39] Still Life by Sarah Winman (2021) [14:24] Crazy Rich Asians (Crazy Rich Asians, 1) by Kevin Kwan (2013) [19:54] Abigail and Alexa Save the Wedding by Lian Dolan (2025) [20:12] The Best Lies by David Ellis (2024) [26:44] July Sarah's Picks The Half Life by Rachel Beanland (July 14) |Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:40] Dad, Love, Me by Matthew Quick (July 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:27] Catherine's Pick City of Widows by Nadia Hashimi (July 28) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:28] Other Books Mentioned Florence Adler Swims Forever by Rachel Beanland (2020) [15:26] The House Is on Fire by Rachel Beanland (2023) [15:28] The Women by Kristin Hannah (2024) [16:27] The Wives by Simone Gorrindo (2024) [17:48] The Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick (2008) [20:39] August Sarah's Picks Everything That Is Beautiful by Louise Nealon (August 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:33] Sunlight Finds You by Laura Moriarty (August 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[28:32] <a href="https://amz...

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Spring 2026 Circle Back with Catherine Gilmore | Ep. 225

1w ago00:46:48Tap to summarize

In Episode 225, Sarah and Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books catch up on the 12 new releases they shared in the Spring 2026 Book Preview, now that they've read them — or at least tried to! They share their reading stats and discuss which books worked and which didn't…and why. This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog. Get the 2026 Summer Reading Guide This year's Summer Reading Guide is bigger than ever — and now available as a full PDF with in-depth write-ups on every book. Here's how to access it: Full PDF Guide (with write-ups): Available to current paying members on Patreon or Substack Start a free trial (Patreon: 7 days | Substack: 30 days) *Be sure to use the link above to access your free trial on Substack. Free Cheatsheet (no write-ups): Available to everyone on the blog Free Trials close: Friday, May 22 (Memorial Day weekend) When you sign up, you'll also get: 2–3 bonus podcast episodes per month Full back catalog of bonus content Weekly reading updates + more All the details in the recent IMPORTANT DETAILS bonus podcast episode and post. Highlights This time last year, Catherine was rocking a 100% success rate — this year's was "armageddon" Sarah had really successful spring with one 5-star book and only 1 DNF with a total average star rating of 4.15. They name their best and worst books picks for spring! Books We Read Before the Preview April Sarah's Pick The Midnight Show by Lee Kelly and Jennifer Thorne (April 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:07] Spring 2026 Circle Back April Sarah's Picks Into the Blue by Emma Brodie (April 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [8:33] Leave Your Mess At Home by Tolani Akinola (April 14) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [16:27] Catherine's Picks American Fantasy by Emma Straub (April 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:45] Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke (April 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [12:25] Like This, But Funnier by Hallie Cantor (April 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:23] Other Books Mentioned All the World Can Hold by Jung Yun (2026) [7:59] The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood (1985) [14:24] August Lane by Regina Black (2025) [16:32] Seven Days in June by Tia Williams (2021) [16:39] Best Offer Wins by Marisa Kashino (2025) [20:24] May Sarah's Picks The Mediator (Max Ringo, 1) by Robert Bailey (May 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:10] The Burning Side by Sarah Damoff (May 19) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:39] Returns and Exchanges by Kayla Rae Whitaker (May 19) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:25] Catherine's Picks The Liar's Playbook by Leslie Bradford-Scott (May 5) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [25:20] The Last Mandarin by Louise Penny and Mellissa Fung (May 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:35] The Tapestry of Fate (Amina al-Sirafi, 2) by Shannon Chakraborty (May 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:16] Other Books Mentioned The Boomerang by Robert Bailey (2025) [22:17] Nowhere Girl by Cheryl Diamond (2021) [26:30] The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff (2025) [29:43] Culpability by Bruce Holsinger (2025) [33:24] The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi (Amina al-Sirafi, 1) by Shannon Chakraborty (2023) [42:06]

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2026 Summer Reading Special with Catherine Gilmore and Chrissie Whitley | Ep. 224

2w ago00:57:00Tap to summarize

In Episode 224, Sarah, Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) and Chrissie (@ChrissieWhitley) celebrate the release of the 2026 Summer Reading Guide with a special behind-the-scenes conversation about putting this year's guide together. Catherine and Chrissie share what it was like participating in the guide for the first time, from the reading process to narrowing down their final picks, while Sarah talks about how much more fun her spring reading felt with the guide becoming a team effort. Together, they reveal their secret books from the guide, share what's still sitting on their summer TBRs, and reflect on the kinds of books they found themselves gravitating toward while reading for summer. This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog. Get the 2026 Summer Reading Guide This year's Summer Reading Guide is bigger than ever — and now available as a full PDF with in-depth write-ups on every book. Here's how to access it: Full PDF Guide (with write-ups): Available to current paying members on Patreon or Substack Start a free trial (Patreon: 7 days | Substack: 30 days) *Be sure to use the link above to access your free trial on Substack. Free Cheatsheet (no write-ups): Available to everyone on the blog Free Trials close: Friday, May 22 (Memorial Day weekend) When you sign up, you'll also get: 2–3 bonus podcast episodes per month Full back catalog of bonus content Weekly reading updates + more All the details in the recent IMPORTANT DETAILS bonus podcast episode and post. The Secret Picks for the 2026 Summer Reading Guide Catherine Two Kinds of Stranger (Eddie Flynn, 9) by Steven Cavanagh (US: March 24, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:13] The Windsor Affair by Melanie Benjamin (June 2, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:04] The Favorite Sister by Jessica Knoll (2018) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:15] Chrissie Celestial Lights by Cecile Pin (March 24, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[20:33] Honeysuckle by Bar Fridman-Tell (March 24, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[30:45] Stranger Things Have Happened by Kasie West (April 14, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:47] Sarah Dissection of a Murder by Jo Murray (May 5, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[23:29] Heather by Caitlin Mullen (June 9, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:53] The Shark House by Sara Ackerman (January 13, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:18] Other Books Mentioned Presumed Innocent by Scott Turow (1987) [24:29] The Swans of Fifth Avenue by Melanie Benjamin (2016) [26:20] The God of the Woods by Liz Moore (2024) [34:24] Long Bright River by Liz Moore (2020) [34:29] Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll (2023) [39:27] Jaws by Peter Benchley (1974) [43:28] The Devil's Teeth by Susan Casey (2005) [44:42] Shark Heart by Emily Habeck (2023) [45:34] More From Summer TBRs Catherine You with the Sad Eyes by Christina Applegate (March 3, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:22] The Crown in Crisis by Alexander Larman (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:19] Waiting on a Friend by Natalie Adler (May 26, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:45] Sarah Lost Lambs by Madeline Cash (January 13, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:48] Celestial Lights by Cecile Pin (March 24, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[53:01] Brawler by Lauren Groff (February 24, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:28] The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett (May 5, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [53:46] The Unseen World by Liz Moore (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [54:46] Porcupines by Fran Fabriczki (April 14, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [55:04] Chrissie Nonesuch by Francis Spufford (March 10, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:51] Tom's Crossing by Mark Z. Danielewksi (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:25] The Unicorn Hunters by Katherine Arden (June 2, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:24] Whistler by Ann Patchett (June 2, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:39] A Deadly Episode (Hawthorne & Horowitz, 6) by Anthony Horowitz (April 28, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [51:18] Daughter of Crows (The Academy of Kindness, 1) by Mark Lawrence (March 24, 2026) | Amazon | Booksh...

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IMPORTANT DETAILS: 2026 Summer Reading Guide

3w ago00:13:21Tap to summarize

May is upon us and that means Summer Reading season is just about here! The 2026 Summer Reading Guide went through a lot of changes this year, so I'm coming to you a bit early to walk through all the details. CLICK HERE for the full Show Notes on the blog. The 2026 Summer Reading Guide is launching this coming Tuesday, May 12! And, our Summer Reading Special podcast episode will air the following day (Weds, May 13). WHAT'S DIFFERENT THIS YEAR The SRG is now a team project. You'll be getting recommendations from Catherine and Chrissie in addition to me. And, there are a couple books on the SRG that are recommended by multiple team members. But, don't worry, you will easily be able to tell who recommended each book in the Guide. The primary SRG with full write-ups on every book we included will be in a printable PDF format. Changing the primary Guide to a PDF format gives us the flexibility to include some different and helpful ways to categorize the books in the guide beyond our mood-based categories. In addition to the regular part of the Guide, we'll have lists for: Books that are now out in paperback Five star books Books that are great on audio Longer books (450+ pages) Nonfiction And, our Secret picks – which you'll hear more about in our Summer Reading Special coming on May 13 We selected our Top Picks differently. In the past, I chose my #1 pick for each of my mood-based categories in the Guide. This year, we're selecting a group of our OVERALL Top Picks regardless of which mood based category they fall in. We've chosen 6 top picks that represent a range of genres, vibes, and reading tastes. And, those will be in their very own section at the front of the Guide. HOW TO GET THE 2026 SUMMER READING GUIDEDifferent from last year The primary Summer Reading Guide PDF with full write-ups on every book will ONLY be available to paying members (via Patreon or Substack). BUT, we'll be running a Free Trial for our Patreon and paid Substack communities, so you can still technically get the full PDF guide for free. Free Trial sign-ups will be open through Friday, May 22 (the Friday of Memorial Day weekend). The Substack Free Trial will be for 30 days. The Patreon Free Trial will only be 7 days long. Patreon only allows 7 day free trials and I wish they'd change that policy. Obviously, we hope you sample our bonus content and decide to stick around on Patreon or Substack, but you can also drop your membership after 1 month if all you're interested in is the full Summer Reading Guide PDF. AND, a Cheatsheet-style list WITHOUT write-ups for the books included will be available to everyone on my website. HOW TO MAKE SURE THE 2026 SUMMER READING GUIDE LANDS IN YOUR INBOX ON MAY 12 If you are NOT already a paying member, you can sign up for a Free Trial either on Patreon (here) OR on Substack (here). If you are NOT already a paying member and you are not eligible for the Free Trial (i.e. you signed up in a previous year and dropped your membership since then), you can sign up to be a paid member on Patreon (here) OR Substack (here) for $7/month (and can drop your membership after 1 month if you don't want to stick around). If you are ALREADY a Superstars member on Patreon or a paid member on Substack, you don't have to do anything else to get the Guide. It will arrive in your inboxes on Tuesday (May 12) morning. And, don't forget that the Cheatsheet (i.e. a slimmed down version of the Guide WITHOUT WRITE-UPS on all the books included) there will be available on my website.

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2016 Bookish Time Capsule with Catherine Gilmore | Ep. 223

Apr 2900:49:07Tap to summarize

Going back ten years to 2016, Sarah and Catherine Gilmore (@GilmoreGuide) dive into the annual Bookish Time Capsule episode and revisit the book world from that year. They cover big bookish highlights — from the buzziest books of the year to the award winners — along with what was happening in the wider world at the time. They also look back at their own reading from 2016, including their favorite releases, and share a quick round-up of listener-submitted favorites. This episode is overflowing with great backlist titles to add to your TBR! This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog. Highlights The big news that was going on outside the book world Book stories and trends that dominated 2016 The 2016 books that have had staying power Big books and award winners for the year Reading in the blog years before the Rock Your Reading Tracker Sarah's and Catherine's personal 2016 reading stats Listener-submitted favorites from 2016 2016 Bookish Time Capsule [1:45] The World Beyond Books Bad Blood by John Carreyrou (2018)| Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:09] To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (1960) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [4:59] My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante (2011) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:11] Ferrante's true identity has never been confirmed, despite multiple attempts by journalists and various theories pointing to different people. Book Industry Sales and Trends Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by J. K. Rowling, Jack Thorne, and John Tiffany (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:02] The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins (2015) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:10] Killing the Rising Sun by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:21] A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman (2012) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:36] Me Before You by Jojo Moyes (2012) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:40] To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (1960) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:45] All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr (2014) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:57] The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo (2014) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:12] Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates (2015) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:16] StrengthsFinder 2.0 from Gallup (2007) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:20] When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:30] The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:33] After You by Jojo Moyes (2015) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:49] The Nest by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:52] The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:59] Hamilton: The Revolution by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Jeremy McCarter (2016)| Amazon | Bookshop.org [12:36] Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow (2004) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [12:49] Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:04] Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:05] The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George (English Translation, 2015) | Amazon| Bookshop.org [13:32] My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry by Fredrik Backman (English Translation, 2015) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:39] In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware (2015) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:51] Big Books of 2016 It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [15:47] A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses, 2) by Sarah J. Maas (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [16:28] Dark Matter by Blake Crouch (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:25] Pines (Wayward Pines, 1) by Blake Crouch (2012) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:57] Recursion by Blake Crouch (2019) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:17] A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[18:34] Rules of Civility by Amor Towles (2011) | Amazon | Bookshop.org <...

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Lee Kelly + Jennifer Thorne (Authors of The Midnight Show) | Ep. 222

Apr 1500:54:46Tap to summarize

In Episode 222, Sarah talks with authors Jennifer Marie Thorne and Lee Kelly about their latest co-written novel, The Midnight Show. Set in the world of 1980s late-night comedy, the book is told in a documentary / oral history format that traces the rise of a breakout star — and the mystery surrounding her disappearance. They talk about how they developed a cast of characters shaped by both real-life comedy figures and their own creative instincts, as well as the challenge of writing sketch comedy that actually lands on the page. They also get into the realities of writing as a duo and the novel's exploration of how women in comedy are perceived and defined. Plus, they share what they're working on next and their book recommendations. This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog. Highlights Books by Lee Kelly + Jennifer Thorne: The Antiquity Affair (2023), The Starlets (2024) and My Fair Frauds (2025) By Lee Kelly: With Regrets (2023), A Criminal Magic (2016), and City Of Savages (2015) By Jennifer Thorne: Diavola (2024), Lute (2022), and Newbourne Park(September 29, 2026) A brief, spoiler-free overview of The Midnight Show The inspiration behind the novel and how they created their characters using a mix of real-life performers and imagination Writing sketch comedy for the page — and how they created it organically for the story The evolution of their collaborative writing process How society views funny women — and how they're allowed to be defined What this author duo is working on next Lee's + Jennifer's Book Recommendations [38:42] Two OLD Books They Love Jennifer : The Wonder State by Sara Flannery Murphy (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:07] Lee : A Visit From the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan (2010) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:24] Other Books Mentioned The Magicians by Lev Grossman (2009) [39:34] The Candy House by Jennifer Egan (2022) [43:08] Two NEW Books They Love Jennifer : Cruelty Free by Caroline Glenn (2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[44:16] Lee : The Future Saints by Ashley Winstead (2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[45:28] Two NEW RELEASES They're Excited About Jennifer : Exit Party by Emily St. John Mandel (September 15, 2026) | Amazon| Bookshop.org [48:02] Lee : Death Was Not on the Guest List by Jenni L. Walsh (June 16, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [51:22] Other Books Mentioned The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker (2012) [49:36] Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel (2014) [50:04] The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (1925) [51:53] Books From the Discussion Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld (2023) [6:37] Live From New York by Tom Shales and James Andrew Miller (2014) [6:41] The Chris Farley Show by Tom Farley Jr. and Tanner Colby (2008) [6:45] Daisy Jones and The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2019) [23:43] The Favorites by Layne Fargo (2025) [25:47] Good People by Patmeena Sabit (2026) [38:20]

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Spring 2026 Book Preview with Catherine Gilmore | Ep. 221

Apr 100:45:40Tap to summarize

Welcome to the Spring 2026 Book Preview with Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books! Today, Catherine and Sarah share 12 of their most anticipated books releasing in April and May. This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog. Announcements A preview of changes to this year's Summer Reading Guide — now a team effort, with more info to come in a separate episode coming in early May. One of the many benefits to supporting the podcast through either our Patreon Community or our Substack Community (both for just $7/mo) is that you get access to several bonus podcast episode series, including Book Preview Extras! In these episodes, Catherine and Sarah share 4 bonus books (2 each) we are excited about that we did not share in the big show preview episode. Get more details about all the goodies available and sign up here for Patreon and here for Substack! Highlights A lightning round of some big releases coming this spring that are not featured in our personal preview picks. Catherine's theme is spring, but Sarah's theme is summer. Looking for balance, Catherine chose books that are lighter and brighter, but not silly. Spring picks carry 4 debuts — 3 from Catherine and 1 from Sarah. Sarah's books cover 2 books about the world of comedy and 3 family dramas. Sarah has already read one of her picks — 4.5 stars! Plus, their #1 picks for spring. Big Spring Releases The Midnight Train (The Midnight World, 2) by Matt Haig (May 26) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:04] The Shippers by Katherine Center (May 19) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:06] London Falling by Patrick Radden Keefe (April 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:09] Last Night in Brooklyn by Xochitl Gonzalez (April 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:16] With a Vengeance by Riley Sager (June 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:22] Enormous Wings by Laurie Frankel (May 5) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:26] Seek the Traitor's Son (The Burning Empire, 1) by Veronica Roth (May 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:29] Other Books Mentioned State of Wonder by Ann Patchett (2011) [3:59] Spring 2026 Book Preview [4:38] April Sarah's Picks The Midnight Show by Lee Kelly and Jennifer Thorne (April 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [7:11] Into the Blue by Emma Brodie (April 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [15:49] Leave Your Mess At Home by Tolani Akinola (April 14) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:50] Catherine's Picks American Fantasy by Emma Straub (April 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:50] Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke (April 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:10] Like This But Funnier by Hallie Cantor (April 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [25:19] Other Books Mentioned Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2019) [8:26] Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld (2023) [8:55] Diavola by Jennifer Thorne (2024) [11:08] All the World Can Hold by Jung Yun (2026) [14:39] Songs in Ursa Major by Emma Brodie (2021) [17:22] Me Before You by Jojo Moyes (2012) [17:38] Normal People by Sally Rooney (2018) [18:37] The Favorites by Layne Fargo (2025) [18:40] The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2017) [18:46] The House of My Mother by Shari Franke (2025) [22:03] August Lane by Regina Black (2025) [22:56] Seven Days in June by Tia Williams (2021) [23:06] Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors (2024) [25:07] Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane (2019) [25:09] The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo (2019) [25:10] May Sarah's Picks The Mediator (Max Ringo, 1) by Robert Bailey (May 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:36] The Burning Side by Sarah Damoff (May 19) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:46] Returns and Exchanges by Kayla Rae Whitaker (May 19) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:30] Catherine's Picks The Liar's Playbook by Leslie Bradford-Scott (May 5) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:31] The Last Mandarin by Louise Penny and Mellissa Fung (May 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:11] The Tapestry of Fate (Amina al-Sirafi, 2) by Shannon Chakraborty (May 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:10] Other Books Mentioned The Boomerang by Robert Bailey (2025) [27:52] Nowhere Girl by Cheryl Diamond (2021) [31:20] Family of Spies by Christine Kuehn (2025) [31:22] The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff (2025) [32:57] State of Terror by Hillary Rodham Clinton and Louise Penny (2021) [36:07] <a href=...

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Winter 2026 Circle Back with Catherine Gilmore | Ep. 220

Mar 2500:55:01Tap to summarize

In Episode 220, Sarah and Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books catch up on the 16 new releases they shared in the Winter 2026 Book Preview, now that they've read them — or at least tried to! They share their reading stats and discuss which books worked and which didn't…and why. This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog. Announcement One of the many benefits to supporting the podcast through either our Patreon Community or our Substack Community (both for just $7/mo) is that you get access to several bonus podcast episode series, including Book Preview Extras! In these episodes, Catherine and Sarah share at least 4 bonus books we are excited about that we did not share in the big show preview episode. Get more details about all the goodies available and sign up here for Patreon and here for Substack! Highlights Catherine had a high success rate, but a pretty "meh" overall feel Sarah's reading followed a familiar barbell pattern: some standout hits, several DNFs, and not much in between Catherine's ratings mostly landed as mid-range reads — with two 4.5 star wins. Sarah had one 5-star read (and a new favorite of the year), two 4.5-star reads, and one big disappointment Some of Sarah's risk-taking paid off, while other picks didn't land They share their best and worst picks from winter Books Read Before the Preview [6:08] Sarah's Pick Whidbey by T Kira Madden (March 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [6:13] Winter 2026 Book Preview [8:20] January Catherine's Picks Skylark by Paula McLain (January 6) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [12:49] Vigil by George Saunders (January 27) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:43] Other Books Mentioned When the Stars Go Dark by Paula McLain (2021) [14:53] Love and Ruin by Paula McLain (2018) [15:21] February Sarah's Picks Good People by Patmeena Sabit (February 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [8:25] Royal Spin by Omid Scobie and Robin Benway (February 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [15:49] Kin by Tayari Jones (February 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:15] Catherine's Picks More Than Enough by Anna Quindlen (February 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:40] Saoirse by Charleen Hurtubise (February 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:47] Other Books Mentioned The Force of Such Beauty by Barbara Bourland (2022) [17:32] A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles (2016) [26:04] An American Marriage by Tayari Jones (2018) [26:58] Silver Sparrow by Tayari Jones (2011) [26:59] March Sarah's Picks No One's Coming by Kevin Hazzard (March 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:51] All the World Can Hold by Jung Yun (March 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[38:23] She Fell Away by Lenore Nash (March 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:23] The Complex by Karan Mahajan (March 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:07] Catherine's Picks Ruins by Lily Brooks-Dalton (March 31) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:34] No Friend to This House by Natalie Haynes (US Release March 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:07] Son of Nobody by Yann Martel (March 31) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:17] How to Be Okay When Nothing Is Okay by Jenny Lawson (March 31) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:08] Other Books Mentioned The Only Plane in the Sky by Garrett M. Graff (2019) [32:10] Shelter by Jung Yun (2016) [38:26] Red Widow by Alma Katsu (2021) [44:17] Red London by Alma Katsu (2023) [44:18] From the Top of the Episode Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy (2025) [1:10]

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T Kira Madden (Author of Whidbey) | Ep. 219

Mar 1800:50:19Tap to summarize

In Episode 219, Sarah talks with author T Kira Madden about her debut novel, Whidbey. A dark, atmospheric story that explores the long reach of violence and the lack of recourse many victims face, Whidbey tackles difficult themes including sexual abuse, stalking, and the ways narratives around these crimes are shaped by media and public perception. Sarah and T Kira discuss the inspiration behind the novel, its complex characters, and the themes at the heart of the story. Plus, she shares a bit about what she's working on next and some terrific book recommendations. This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog. Highlights Books by T Kira Madden: Whidbey and Long Live the Tribe of Fatherless Girls A brief, spoiler-free overview of Whidbey The inspiration behind the novel Revisiting the impact of sexual assault through fiction What the character of Mary-Beth brings to the story The ways the novel explores justice, accountability, and the limited options available to victims How the reality show storyline reflects the power of media to shape public narratives What T Kira is working on next T Kira's Book Recommendations [36:42] Two OLD Books She Loves Reading the Waves by Lidia Yuknavitch (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[36:56] Scorched Earth by Tiana Clark (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:43] Other Books Mentioned The Chronology of Water by Lidia Yuknavitch (2011) [37:15] Two NEW Books She Loves Extinction Capital of the World by Mariah Rigg (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:38] Bloodfire, Baby by Eirinie Carson (2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:28] One Book She DIDN'T Love We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver (2003) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[41:58] One NEW RELEASE She's Excited About Lovers XXX by Allie Rowbottom (June 4, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[45:22] Other Books Mentioned Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe (2024) [46:43] The Hop by Diana Clarke (2022) [47:09] Books From the Discussion There There by Tommy Orange (2018) [36:32] Other Links Guernica | The Feels of Love by T Kira Madden (December 12, 2016)

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Reading Through the Enneagram with Sarajane Case (Author of The Honest Enneagram) | Ep. 218

Mar 600:49:39Tap to summarize

In Episode 218, Sarah chats with Enneagram author, speaker, and podcaster Sarajane Case about Reading Through the Enneagram. After a brief introduction to the Enneagram and how it differs from other personality systems, they dive into how Enneagram types show up in our reading lives — from guessing an author's type to rethinking our own habits as readers. Sarajane walks through the nine types, shares a book recommendation for each, and offers her own personal picks. This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog. Highlights Books by Sarajane Case: The Honest Enneagram and The Enneagram Letters A brief introduction to the Enneagram — and how it differs from other personality systems Sarajane's personal approach to working with the Enneagram A quick overview of the nine Enneagram types How each Enneagram type might approach reading Whether (and how) we can discern an author's Enneagram type through their work (and the Enneagram types most and least likely to be authors themselves) Practical tips for using your type to improve your reading life Reading Through the Enneagram [29:51] Type 1: The Secret Lives of Church Ladies by Deesha Philyaw (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:08] Type 2: The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath (1963) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:50] Type 3: In Five Years by Rebecca Serle (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:27] Type 4: Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:42] Type 5: Fourth Wing (Empyrean, 1) by Rebecca Yarros (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:56] Type 6: The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:32] Type 7: People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:56] Type 8: Crook Manifesto (The Harlem Trilogy, 2) by Colson Whitehead (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:20] Type 9: Severance by Ling Ma (2018) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:16] Other Books Mentioned The Fellowship of the Ring (The Lord of the Rings, 1) by J. R. R. Tolkien (1954) [32:08] Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë (1847) [33:49] The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez (2019) [34:57] Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus (2022) [35:23] Sarajane's Book Recommendations [36:37] Two OLD Books She Loves The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath (1963) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:50] Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë (1847) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:08] Two NEW Books She Loves Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:09] A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:14] Other Books Mentioned Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2019) [42:05] The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2017) [42:16] Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2021) [42:28] Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2022) [42:37] The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna (2022) [43:28] One Book She DIDN'T Love Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami (1987) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:14] Other Books Mentioned South of the Border, West of the Sun by Haruki Murakami (1992) [44:20] 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami (2009) [44:49] One NEW RELEASE She's Excited About Theodora's Tea Shop by Christy Anne Jones (July 28, 2026 — no US release date set yet) | Link to Blackwell's for US Orders [45:52] Other Links Truity | Enneagram Personality Test

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Reading Through the Enneagram with Sarajane Case (Author of The Honest Enneagram) | Ep. 218