Sarah's Bookshelves Live

• Ep. 189: Karen Thompson Walker (Author of The Strange Case of Jane O.)

  In Episode 189, author Karen Thompson Walker talks with Sarah about her career to date and her newest novel, The Strange Case of Jane O. Karen discusses her writing journey, including each book’s inspiration and research process. She also touches on the challenges of promoting her latest book without giving away too much and her current work in progress. Plus, Karen shares her 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 Karen Thompson Walker: The Age of Miracles (2012), The Dreamers (2019), and The Strange Case of Jane O. (2025) Karen talks about going from working as an editor to a being published author The genre Karen feels her books best fit in The real-life inspiration for The Age of Miracles  A peek into her research process and which book required the most work Karen’s thoughts on writing about an epidemic (in The Dreamers) just before the real-life  COVID-19 pandemic A brief spoiler-free overview of The Strange Case of Jane O. and the inspiration behind it Some of Oliver Sacks’ interesting case histories that inspired Karen The difficulty in trying to promote and talk about a book like The Strange Case of Jane O. without giving too much away How Karen sees the relationship between her three published books A bit about Karen’s current work in progress Karen’s Book Recommendations [36:20] Two OLD Books She Loves The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides (1993) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[37:22] The Buddha in the Attic by Julie Otsuka (2011) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [39:26] Other Books Mentioned: The Swimmers by Julie Otsuka (2023) [40:51]   Two NEW Books She Loves The Antidote by Karen Russell (March 11, 2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[41:20] The Light Eaters by Zoë Schlanger (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:39] One Book She DIDN’T Love My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante (2011) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:39] One NEW RELEASE She’s Excited About Audition by Katie Kitamura (April 8, 2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:22] Other Books Mentioned:  The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden (2024) [49:20]  A Separation by Katie Kitamura (2017) [49:35]  Intimacies by Katie Kitamura (2021) [49:39]  Last 5-Star Book Karen Read Trust by Hernan Diaz (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:14] Books From the Discussion Brain on Fire by Susannah Cahalan (2012) [22:54] Awakenings by Oliver Sacks (1973) [24:16]  

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• Ep. 188: Best of Fantasy with Chrissie (@ChrissieWhitley)

  In Ep. 188, we are kicking off our new “Best of…” series with Sarah’s Bookshelves Live team member, Chrissie, for the Best of Fantasy. Today, Chrissie brings you her all-time top ten favorite fantasy novels. Also, as a long-time reader and evangelizer of the genre, Chrissie talks about how she started reading fantasy, the wide scope of the genre, and ways those new to fantasy might jump in! 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 How Chrissie got started reading fantasy. What draws her to the fantasy genre. From sci-fi fantasy to epic, high fantasy, Chrissie talks about the wide scope of the genre. Her favorite sub-genres and what doesn’t work for her. Chrissie’s All-Time Top Ten Fantasy Books [16:36] The Fifth Season by N. K. Jemisin (2015) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [17:44] A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas (2015) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[22:11] The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater (2012) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [27:24] The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss (2007) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [32:10] A Murder in Time by Julie McElwain (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [35:36] Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke (2004) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [37:35] Griffin & Sabine by Nick Bantock (1991) | Amazon | Bookshop.org   [39:58] The Queen of Blood by Sarah Beth Durst (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org   [42:15] Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer (2001) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [44:16] The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern (2011) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [46:40] High-Profile Fantasy Books That Did Not She Didn’t Love [48:39]  A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness (2011) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [48:52] Babel by R. F. Kuang (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [50:55] Other Books Mentioned Fourth Wing (2023) [25:07] Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas (2012) [25:43] Flowers in the Attic by V. C. Andrews (1979) [26:36] Heaven by V. C. Andrews (1985) [26:46] The Listeners by Maggie Stiefvater (June 2025) [31:27] A Game of Thrones (1996) by George R. R. Martin ([33:04]) The Wise Man’s Fear by Patrick Rothfuss (2011) [33:09] The Doors of Stone by Patrick Rothfuss (TBD) [33:15] A is for Alibi by Sue Grafton (1982) [37:16] Piranesi by Susanna Clarke (2020) [39:46] Twilight by Stephanie Meyer (2005) [50:03] The Black Bird Oracle by Deborah Harkness (2024) [50:28] Books from Our Discussion Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J. K. Rowling (1997) [4:23]  Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White (1952) [6:23]  Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O’Brien (1971) [6:26]   The Dream Book by Meg Wolitzer (1987) [6:37]  The God of the Woods by Liz Moore (2024) [11:15]  11/22/63 by Stephen King (2011) [12:10]  The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis (1950) [12:30]  The Fellowship of the Ring by J. R. R. Tolkien (1954) [14:29] The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien (1937) [14:30]   The Neverending Story by Michael Ende (1979) [15:36] 

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• Ep. 187: State of the Publishing Industry in 2024 with Kathleen Schmidt of the Publishing Confidential Substack

  In Ep. 187, Kathleen Schmidt, author of the popular Substack newsletter, Publishing Confidential, joins Sarah to dissect and discuss the State of the Publishing Industry in 2024. Between a high-level look back, talk about the top sales and book trends, to what Kathleen sees on the horizon for 2025 in the book world, this episode is packed with info. Also, Kathleen shares her favorite books of 2024! 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 2024 bookish news and publishing trends overview. Kathleen grades last year’s crop of books with an overall B+. How the middle-aged woman / menopause stories might shake out to be the next buzzy books. The ways the full book market is oversaturated. The impact TikTok still has on the book world. Kathleen breaks down the side-eye publishing attracts from other industries with its oddball business model.  Taylor Swift remains a hot topic in publishing with The Eras Tour Book. Did Spotify’s entrance into audiobooks make a noticeable impact? The secret struggle of memoirs. Anticipating 2025’s potential bookish trends. State of the Publishing Industry in 2024 High-Level Overview [2:02] All Fours by Miranda July (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [6:12] Sandwich by Catherine Newman (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [6:27] The New Menopause by Mary Claire Haver (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [6:58]   2024 Book Sales and Trends [9:35]  Leaving by Roxana Robinson (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [30:11]  Splinters by Leslie Jamison (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [30:14]  Liars by Sarah Manguso (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [30:16]  Crush by Ada Calhoun (Feb 25, 2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:17]  Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:39] Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor (Jan 14, 2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[31:41]  Big Book Stories of 2024 [34:18] The Official Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour Book (Target Exclusive)(2024) [38:21]  2025 Publishing Predictions [42:48] Kathleen’s 3 Favorites Books of 2024 [46:41] Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:01]  Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:23] Foster by Claire Keegan (2010) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [47:54]  Other Links Publishing Confidential • Substack | What Book Publishing Needs to Consider in 2025

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• Ep. 186: The Best Backlist Books We Read in 2024 with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide)

  In Episode 186, Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) and Sarah share the best backlist books they read in 2024. They discuss their top 5 backlist books from last year, highlight some underrated backlist gems, and review their backlist reading statistics. Devoting an entire episode to backlist reading is now an annual tradition at Sarah’s Bookshelves Live — a team and listener favorite!  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 2024’s Best of the Backlist Guide is available now! 25 of the Sarah’s Bookshelves Live Patrons share the best backlist book they read last year in a beautiful PDF guide. To get the guide, you can sign up to be a Superstars patron here. You’ll also get access to a 3 bonus podcast episodes per month and my Rock Your Reading Tracker and our all-new Lite Reading Tracker. Highlights Sarah and Catherine share their full stats for backlist reading in 2024. Backlist reading quantity was down a bit again last year for Sarah, but backlist reading quality increased. Catherine had a slight decrease in the number of backlist books she read, but backlist reading remained incredibly successful for her. Sarah’s backlist reading included several atypical choices for her, maybe shaping how she approaches 2025. Our Top 5 Backlist Books We Read in 2024 [6:27] Catherine Ghosts by Dolly Alderton | Amazon | Bookshop.org [6:33] Shrines of Gaiety by Kate Atkinson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [12:19] Instructions for a Heatwave by Maggie O’Farrell | Amazon | Bookshop.org[17:38] Tomorrow There Will Be Apricots by Jessica Soffer | Amazon | Bookshop.org[24:10] Behind the Scenes at the Museum by Kate Atkinson | Amazon | Bookshop.org[32:11] Sarah The Hop by Diana Clarke | Amazon | Bookshop.org [9:38] The Last Days of Night by Graham Moore | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:26] Water by John Boyne | Amazon [20:57] Starter Villain by John Scalzi | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:32] Empire Falls by Richard Russo | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:33] Other Books Mentioned Good Material by Dolly Alderton [8:54] The Wealth of Shadows by Graham Moore [14:37] The Holdout by Graham Moore [16:58] Earth by John Boyne [21:09] The Heart’s Invisible Furies by John Boyne [22:18] Fire by John Boyne [22:57]  This Is a Love Story by Jessica Soffer (coming Feb 4) [26:57]  Life After Life by Kate Atkinson [32:42] Case Histories by Kate Atkinson [32:54]  Underrated Backlist Gems [38:56] Catherine The Reformatory by Tananarive Due | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:00]  The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett by Annie Lyons | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:36] Sarah Home Stretch by Graham Norton | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:50]  The Hard Parts by Oksana Masters | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [48:01] Other Books Mentioned The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead [41:33] Signal Fires by Dani Shapiro [43:51] Frankie by Graham Norton [45:12]

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• Ep. 185: Winter 2025 Book Preview with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide)

  Welcome to the Winter 2025 Book Preview with Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books!   Today, Catherine and Sarah share 16 of their most anticipated books releasing January through March.   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 joining the Patreon Community is gaining 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 were not shared in the big show preview episode. Get more details about all the goodies available to all Superstar patrons and sign up here! Highlights Catherine and Sarah share some big releases coming this winter (lightning round style). Catherine’s theme this season is “balance,” with 4 debuts and 4 repeat authors. Sarah’s choices seem to fall into some micro genres she loves, featuring 5 debuts. Again, Sarah brings in a few shorter books under 300 pages. Sarah has already read and rated two of her picks! Plus, their #1 picks for the winter. Big Winter Releases [1:51]  Good Dirt by Charmaine Wilkerson (Jan 28) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:28] Show Don’t Tell by Curtis Sittenfeld (Feb 25) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:37] Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (Mar 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [2:44] One Good Thing by Georgia Hunter (Mar 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:51] We Do Not Part by Han Kang (Jan 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:14] Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros (Jan 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:22] We All Live Here by Jojo Moyes (Feb 11) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:32] The Paris Express by Emma Donoghue (Mar 18) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:38] The Heart of Winter by Jonathan Evison (Jan 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:42] Three Days in June by Anne Tyler (Feb 11) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [4:00] The Antidote by Karen Russell (Mar 11) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [4:03] The Human Scale by Lawrence Wright (Mar 11) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [4:10] Back After This by Linda Holmes (Feb 25) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [4:20] Backlist Titles Mentioned Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson [2:32] We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter [3:03] Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros [3:27] Room by Emma Donoghue [3:41] Swamplandia by Karen Russell [4:05] Vampires in the Lemon Grove by Karen Russell [4:07] Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes [4:25] Winter 2025 Book Preview [4:32] January Sarah’s Picks The Favorites by Layne Fargo (Jan 14) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [8:06] Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor (Jan 14) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[15:34] Catherine’s Picks All the Water in the World by Eiren Caffall (Jan 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[13:20] Those Fatal Flowers by Shannon Ives (Jan 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:22] Call Her Freedom by Tara Dorabji (Jan 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [24:19]  Too Soon by Betty Shamieh (Jan 28) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:19] Other Books Mentioned Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë [9:22]  Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel [14:38]   Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin [17:46] Yellowface by R. F. Kuang [17:50] Babel by R. F. Kuang [17:51] February Sarah’s Picks Yours, Eventually by Nura Maznavi (Feb 18) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:16] Penitence by Kristin Koval (Feb 18 – moved to 1/28 after recording) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[spp-timestamp time="25:56"] Crush by Ada Calhoun (Feb 25) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:39] The Strange Case by Jane O by Karen Thompson Walker (Feb 25) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:25] The Grand Scheme of Things by Warona Jay (Feb 25) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[41:04] Catherine’s Pick This Is a Love Story by Jessica Soffer (Feb 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:34] Other Books Mentioned Persuasion by Jane Austen [23:21]  Defending Jacob by William Landay [27:49] All That Is Mine I Carry With Me by William Landay [27:51]   Why We Can’t Sleep by Ada Calhoun [32:02]   Wedding Toasts I’ll Never Give by Ada Calhoun [32:05]  Last Couple Standing by Matthew Norman [33:14]  The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker [36:55]  The Dreamers by Karen Thompson Walker [37:00]  By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult [42:04]  March Sarah’s Pick Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall (Mar 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:35] Catherine’s Picks The Dream Hotel by Laila Lalami (Mar 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:35] Kate & Frida by Kim Fay (Mar 11) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:56] Witness 8 by Steve Cavanagh (Mar 25) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:58] Other Books Mentioned The Moor’s Account by Laila Lalami [38:45]  Love & Saffron by Kim Fay [45:08]  The Go-Between by L. P. Hartley [47:42]  The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller [48:15]  Thirteen by Steve Cavanagh [50:49]  Kill For Me, Kill For You by Steve Cavanagh [52:56]  Other Links Instagram | Harper Voyager: Deluxe Limited Edition for Death of an Author by Nnedi Okorafor 

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